2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

WIP: Using mind mapping to enhance architecture students' abilities in managing both practical and lecture-based teaching methods

Presented at Architectural Engineering Division (ARCHE) Technical Session 2

Globally, architecture education relies on two primary pedagogical methods: studio-based hands-on practice and traditional lecture-based instruction, often leading to a disconnect between the skills taught in each. To address this challenge, educators are exploring innovative strategies that bridge the gap between these pedagogical approaches. This article examines two such interventions: the integration of Mind Mapping in construction and sustainability courses. In the Fall of 2023 and Spring of 2024, researchers implemented Mind Mapping in various Construction and Place and Sustainability courses, involving a total of 112 students. The study focused on assessing the knowledge students emphasized in their mind maps and its application in examinations, while also gathering student feedback on how Mind Mapping influenced their learning. Particularly, analyzing how the use of sketching aided in connecting technical knowledge with practical construction processes. Surveys were conducted to understand students' perceptions of sketchbooks in enhancing their learning and course performance. The studies critically evaluate the design of these interventions and propose potential avenues for further integrating hands-on and lecture-based pedagogies in architectural education. The article concludes by offering insights for both research and practical application.

Authors

Prof. Ignacio Guerra P. Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ [biography]

Ignacio is a part-time professor of Construction and Sustainability in the College of Architecture and Interior Design CADI at Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ. Ignacio is an architect from UCE and gained his MBA with emphasis in sustainability from the UCV. Ignacio’s interests are in the areas of sustainable architecture, new construction technologies, new pedagogies for architecture studies and development. Ignacio is passionate to bring his experience in the construction industry into the classroom.
Dr. MiguelAndres Andres Guerra P.E. http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7496-3753 Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ [biography]

MiguelAndres is an Assistant Professor in the Polytechnic College of Science and Engineering at Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ. He holds a BS in Civil Engineering from USFQ, a M.Sc. in Civil Engineering in Construction Engineering and Project Management from Iowa State University, a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering with emphasis in Sustainable Construction from Virginia Tech, and two Graduate Certificates from Virginia Tech in Engineering Education and Future Professoriate and from USFQ in Structures for Construction Professionals. MiguelAndres’s research includes Architectural and Civil Engineering Project Management, Sustainable and Resilient Urban Infrastructure, and the development of engineers who not only have strong technical and practical knowledge but the social awareness and agency to address global humanitarian, environmental, and social justice challenges. For him, social justice is a concept that should always be involved in discussions on infrastructure. Related to STEM education, Miguel Andres develops disruptive pedagogies for STEM courses as a tool for innovation, and assessing engineering students’ agency to address climate change. Currently, MiguelAndres is working on a framework to support and conduct undergraduate research.

Note

The full paper will be available to logged in and registered conference attendees once the conference starts on June 22, 2025, and to all visitors after the conference ends on June 25, 2025

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