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A Game-Based Learning Method to Promote Soft Skills in Construction Education

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Conference

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Location

Portland, Oregon

Publication Date

June 23, 2024

Start Date

June 23, 2024

End Date

July 12, 2024

Conference Session

Project/Problem Based Learning (PBL) in Construction Education

Tagged Division

Construction Engineering Division (CONST)

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/46443

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Paper Authors

biography

Raissa Seichi Marchiori The University of Alabama

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Raissa Seichi Marchiori is currently a Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) and a Ph.D. student in the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering at the University of Alabama. Raissa obtained her bachelor's degree and an MBA in Civil Engineering in Brazil. Her research topic is in the construction engineering area. Her research interests include implementing Building Information Modeling on construction sites, safety training, workforce development, and engineering education. Through these research topics, Raissa has been publishing papers for peer-reviewed journal and conference proceedings. Also, she is part of Dr. Siyuan Song’s research lab, the Safety Automation and Visualization Environment (SAVE) Laboratory, which integrates technologies and education themes to improve building performance and safety engineering.

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Siyuan Song The University of Alabama Orcid 16x16 orcid.org/0000-0002-6444-3914

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Dr. Siyuan Song is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental engineering at the University of Alabama. Her research interests include Occupational Safety and Health, Training and Workforce Development, Engineering Education, Building Information Modeling, Machine Learning and AI in Construction, and Construction Progress Monitoring and Simulation.

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Abstract

In the world of ever-growing technology and multimedia devices, educators are actively exploring innovative methods to captivate students in immersive and enjoyable learning experiences. Games-based learning has demonstrated their effectiveness in K-12 education and is now gaining substantial traction in higher education. Particularly in engineering education, it focuses on enhancing learner engagement and motivation. However, the application of game-based learning in engineering and technology education, specifically in the field of Construction Engineering, has been relatively limited and its efficacy as a learning and training tool remains uncertain. To assess the impact of game-based learning on students’ performance, this study utilizes game-based learning, employing LEGO sets, in teaching construction engineering students. The incorporation of LEGO as a means of enhancing learning activities allows learning by playing. The students engage in collaborative group of two students to construct a single-family home using LEGO sets. The primary objective is to facilitate the practice and enhancement of the main important skills for construction engineers: communication, leadership, analytical, and decision-making skills. The research process comprises three key phases: (1) Before pilot study: Introducing the project and guidelines and conducting a pre-summative assessment of students' prior construction skills. (2) Pilot study: Students embark on the construction phase, facing various challenges such as constructing their houses within specified parameters, including size, limited pieces, design requirements, and adhering to LEGO's set color guidelines for the design. (3) After pilot study: This final phase uses a post-summative assessment that evaluates the improvement in students' construction skills. The results demonstrate that well-designed LEGO tasks can enhance students' skills by improving communication, leadership, analytical, and decision-making skills. This approach seeks to equip future construction engineers with the practical skills necessary for success in their careers and to meet the industry's demands effectively.

Marchiori, R. S., & Song, S. (2024, June), A Game-Based Learning Method to Promote Soft Skills in Construction Education Paper presented at 2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Portland, Oregon. https://peer.asee.org/46443

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