Introducing Case Studies in the Civil Engineering Curriculum of the Tongji University, China

Engineering college students are educated to be able to apply mathematics, science and engineering knowledge for design, construction, and solving engineering problems. Civil Engineering programs in China usually introduce students various mechanics and detailed design principles through the instructor-centered method. Although these knowledge is developed based on lessons learned by engineers of past generations, it is more effective to convey engineering philosophies if casebased teaching can be followed. This paper investigates the feasibility of improving educational functionality of case studies at the College of Civil Engineering of Tongji University, China. A sample course was introduced and suggestions for using research results to improve teaching were presented. Class designs for promoting failure case studies and involving students in laboratory research were described. INTRODUCATION