2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

This Work-in-Progress (WIP) report outlines the development of the Structural Learning Lab, an interactive learning center designed to enhance student engagement and improve comprehension of complex civil engineering concepts. The project focuses on reorganizing existing resources and integrating new physical models, including the Load Path Explorer and the Flex Frame, to provide students with tangible, hands-on representations of theoretical content. These models will be incorporated into civil engineering courses to deepen understanding of key topics such as load paths, construction sequences, and structural deflections.

The lab addresses a critical need in civil engineering education: providing practical tools that enhance students’ spatial visualization skills. Many students struggle with abstract concepts when taught solely through traditional lecture-based methods. By offering interactive physical models, the lab bridges the gap between theory and real-world application. In addition to improving student learning, the lab will serve as a resource for faculty, supporting the integration of active learning tools into instructional practices.

Research indicates that hands-on learning tools are especially effective for students from underrepresented groups, including women and minorities, who often face additional challenges in courses requiring strong spatial reasoning skills. The Structural Learning Lab’s focus on tangible learning aids aims to reduce these barriers and contribute to higher retention and success rates among diverse student populations.

This WIP report presents the initial steps in establishing the lab, including the design and construction of new models, the reorganization of existing materials, and early insights from pilot implementations. It also provides a preliminary analysis of students’ initial understanding of structural load paths and related concepts before introducing the Load Path Explorer educational tool.

Expected outcomes include improved student comprehension of structural principles, increased engagement in active learning environments, and greater faculty use of hands-on teaching resources. Impact will be assessed using a mixed-methods approach, including pre- and post-implementation surveys, focus groups, and analysis of grade distribution reports, providing both quantitative and qualitative measures of effectiveness. Improved student retention may also emerge as a longer-term benefit.