Personalized Learning: Building a Model

Abstract

At the author's university, Wentworth Institute of Technology, 'Advanced Civil Engineering Materials' is a predominantly hands-on, lab-based course and is a new elective. Understanding how to build an experiment is an important aspect in this course. While developing the curriculum, this topic was intended to be a smaller unit which would take one week to complete. The students were taught the different types of models, both physical and virtual. They were also taught the situations where one would prefer one type of model over another. For example, strength model v/s an elastic model. To increase student enthusiasm, the students were encouraged to make a model. This model could be any kind of model and of any size. The only requirement needed to discuss with the instructor and provide the instructor with the estimated cost. This was done to ensure that the scope of the model was feasible, and it was within the budget. Students made a variety of models including wood models, the model of a dam, and the DaVinci bridge to name a few. The students used their own background, strengths, and interests to develop a personalized learning module which is evident from the student abstract that accompanied the model. This paper illustrates the lesson plan, the timeline, cost, and planning for the models, the lessons to be learned from each model, and the appropriate method for assessment of such topics.