2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

This paper presents the results of a nationwide survey conducted across several universities, specifically examining student perceptions and opinions regarding an innovative problem solution presentation style called a “solution walkthrough.” The walkthrough format offers features like a game plan, initially concealed answers and detailed explanations at each step, and insightful solution summaries. This can be summarized as providing significant contextual information and explanation in addition to the components of traditional engineering solutions. The goal is to provide a better student experience with solutions and increase student engagement, presumably, improving learning. Also, better engagement with contextually rich material could help reduce the “plug-and-chug” learning strategy.
Overall, 91% of respondents found the walkthroughs "very helpful" or “helpful.” The detailed written explanations at each step were rated as the most beneficial aspect, with 59% rating them "very helpful." Surprisingly, 53% of respondents preferred walkthroughs over video solutions, but noted that walkthroughs would also be a desired supplement to video solutions. Results also indicated that instructors building their own walkthroughs should emphasize the detailed step-by-step explanations rather than initially concealing calculation results. Overall, the findings warrant instructor consideration of walkthroughs as part of a diverse set of learning resources to be provided for civil engineering students.