Evaluation of a New Approach to Life-Long Learning in Civil and Environmental Engineering Curricula

Lifelong learning (LLL) has been long recognized by educators as a valuable attribute that can be an impetus for improved student learning. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) criteria (2000) require that engineering programs produce "graduates who pursue life-long learning through continuing education and/or advanced degrees in engineering or related fields". Many colleges and universities have incorporated LLL into their program outcomes. However, it remains a challenge to identify effective methods to integrate and assess LLL into the engineering curriculum. Three years ago, two faculty (one Civil and one Environmental) at Florida Gulf Coast University redesigned two of their courses. They developed a new approach to respond to ABET LLL requirements. This year this new program has been implemented by additional faculty from other institutions. Data and surveys from nearly 400 students and associated faculty were collected. The faculty survey identifies LLL approaches that faculty have implemented in their classrooms. Results obtained from the data analysis support the effectiveness of this approach; the students respond well to working with real life challenges, incorporating more critical thinking and research in their work.