Thesis
Assessing practical civil engineers perception of lifelong learning using semi-structured interviews
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
08/2020
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7273/000004166
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/125061
Abstract
In the professional field of civil engineering, there is only so much that can be taught in school. Many of the skills needed to effectively complete tasks must be learnt after entering the workforce. Furthermore, with the advancement of technology and continuous changing regulations, the practice evolves quickly. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) has recognized the need for individuals to grow with the industry and has emphasized the need for graduates to be capable of engaging in lifelong learning (LLL). However, what being a lifelong learner entails in this century from practicing engineers' perspective has yet to be defined. This study investigates the key skills associated with being a successful civil engineer by interviewing 19 currently practicing engineers in the Pacific Northwest from a variety of civil engineering firms. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview data and identify common themes. All participants agreed that continued education was essential for success in their field. In regard to learned skills, it was found that not only technical skills, but also communication, interpersonal, and business skills are essential for engineering. The importance of the different skills changes as careers evolve and are dependent on individuals' career decisions. Based on the collected data, technical skills are most important in the first few years of an engineer's career while the other skill groups gain significance after moving into management positions. This work has further confirmed the curricular theory that communication, interpersonal, and business skills play a large role in the industry and suggests that universities should continue to focus student development effort towards these abilities. Learning methods were also investigated. Mentorship and experience were found to be the most preferred and frequently engaged methods. Mentorship plays an integral role in the engineering experience and can shape an individuals' career, making it essential for students to be prepared for this style of learning. Overall, LLL is a must and the skills identified by practitioners should be emphasized in curriculum. To further this research, a study of students' perceptions of LLL could identify gaps and encourage more specific curricular or pedagogical changes.
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Details
- Title
- Assessing practical civil engineers perception of lifelong learning using semi-structured interviews
- Creators
- Kamryn Alyse Froehle
- Contributors
- Adam Phillips (Advisor) - Washington State University, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University
- Identifiers
- 99900890769701842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis