The Model as a Teaching Resource Applied in Subjects of Construction Technology (Steel and Concrete Structures and Foundations) in the Bachelor Degree in Technical Architecture

Abstract

Methodological improvements have been performed inside the Bachelor Degree in Technical Architecture, at the Universitat Politecnica de Valencia. Specifically, in the subjects Construction Technology IV (Steel structures) and Construction Technology V (Reinforced concrete technology, foundations), both mandatory courses take place during the third course. These changes are focused in acquiring the generic and specific competences included in the Bachelor's Studies Plan. The use of scale models as an educational resource turns out to be very interesting, pedagogically speaking, inside the nowadays-teaching approach of competence-based learning. Scale models have been used long ago to represent projects, structural systems and/or specific details and to express and communicate ideas. When the elaboration process of a scale model is approached from the perspective of a Project-based learning, it is possible to improve the acquisition of specific and generic competences. Thus, it is necessary to plan the activity and outline the work as a sequence of logical activities, with clear objectives, which will allow reaching specific results. Below it is described the methodology that has been followed in both these courses; specific examples of projects realized from this perspective are presented and the competences acquisition degree is analysed.