Assessing the impact of failure case studies on the civil engineering and engineering mechanics curriculum: Final report

Abstract

This paper is the third and last in a series documenting work to assess the impact of the introduction of failure case studies into engineering mechanics and civil engineering courses. Results from surveys and focus groups of both students and faculty are presented, along with recommendations for improving assessment instruments and processes. The students enjoyed the case studies and believed that they contributed to learning the course material. The case studies stimulated their interest. Most faculty who had participated in the one-day case study workshop and who responded to the survey had made at least some use of the cases in their courses. The respondents that had used case studies believed that the benefits justified the cost. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2009.