2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Laboratory experiences are a core component of Construction Management undergraduate programs, yet traditional in-person demonstrations are becoming increasingly time-intensive and resource-constrained as class sizes grow. This study investigates the effectiveness of implementing prelab video demonstrations in two core materials courses: Construction Materials and Soils and Foundations. Instructional videos detailing step-by-step experimental procedures, equipment operation, and safety measures were produced and integrated into the curriculum across four semesters, involving a total of 227 student participants. The impact of this intervention was evaluated through quantitative surveys and qualitative feedback to assess student preparedness, engagement, and perceived learning outcomes.

The results indicate overwhelmingly positive student perceptions, with a significant majority of participants, approximately 85% in Construction Materials and over 90% in Soils and Foundations, reporting that the prelab videos aided them in effectively completing laboratory activities and increased their confidence with the equipment. Furthermore, survey results indicate that students perceived the video demonstrations as superior to traditional laboratory manuals or PowerPoint slides alone for understanding complex procedures. These findings suggest that integrating prelab video demonstrations is a scalable and highly effective pedagogical strategy for improving laboratory efficiency and student readiness in construction management education.