How Case Study in Civil Engineering is An Effective Learning Process

The case study method of learning has been well tried. It has the following advantages:

1 Students need to think more about the subject;

2 The subject is brought to life;

3 Students realize that everything is not ‘cut and dried’;

4 It helps students to see the interrelationship of one topic with another;

5 They develop a deeper understanding of the subject;

6 They add interest to the learning situation which improves the learning process;

7 They develop an analytical approach to the subject;

8 The experience of the student is tapped.


Not all information is given in the case. Additional information should only be given if requested. Students must know what information they require to give a satisfactory answer.

The tutor's text deals with the additional information students are likely to ask but there is still scope for the imagination. The cases could be presented in verbal or written form. The larger the case the more likely the written form will be the best. Paper, felt pens, overhead projectors, etc should be available for presentation.

Students should be encouraged to present the case as this helps to develop their communication skills and gives them more confidence in standing in front of a group. Members of the group should share the presentation.

The time taken for each case will vary with the type of student. A degree of judgment will need to be used but don’t relinquish quality for quantity. Questions should be encouraged and revision may need to be given to individuals if they do not understand any aspect of the information given.

Groups should not exceed five as some people will not have the opportunity to contribute. Groups should be encouraged to constructively criticize the presentation of other groups and be prepared to ask and answer questions.

It must be emphasized that in a case study there is not one answer but an answer must be found. Most situations in practice are of this nature. Sometimes information given may be irrelevant but students will be expected to sort this out.

Tutors should avoid ready-made answers. The cases used in this book are based on real-life situations but they have been adapted to enable them to be carried out in a reasonable time without losing any of their value. Names used are fictitious to avoid companies being identified. the author does not wish to create any embarrassment to any organization or individual.

What are your opinion about learning and understanding civil engineering concepts and problems, please share with us in the comments section.