Vertical Integration of Experiential Learning in Construction Curriculum with Industry Collaboration

This paper proposes to vertically integrate experiential learning components in courses at various levels in the Construction Engineering and Management Technology (CEMT) program at Purdue University Northwest (PNW).Specifically, this project focuses on engaging industry professionals to incorporate newly developed Experiential Learning (EL) components in courses at the freshman, sophomore, junior and senior levels (vertical integration).The design of these EL components will be based on revised Kolb's theory of EL, which include contextually rich concrete experience, critical reflective observation, contextually specific abstract conceptualization, and pragmatic active experimentation.The vertical integration of EL components can supplement classroom learning with real-world problem solving, whose outcomes include professional communication, teamwork, self-guided learning, observation, and reflection.The PIs will develop and implement EL components in six unique courses at the CEMT program, including five regular lecture-based courses and one existing EL course.Industrial collaborators have been selected as experts and will be heavily involved in developing and implementing each of the EL components.The methodology of developing EL modules will follow a framework involving the integration of evidence-based pedagogical approaches and Kolb's theory, to be validated through this project and adopted by other institutions.