Blending Hands-on Learning and Team-based Learning in Soil Mechanics: Phase Relationships for Soils

This paper reports the application of hands-on learning and team-based learning to increase learning and promote deep understanding of key topics in Soil Mechanics. The pedagogical practice was implemented during first semester of 2022/2023 on an introductory course on Soil Mechanics at the Civil Engineering degree at the University of Aveiro, Portugal. The key topics covered were phase relations for soils. Combining the advantages of hands-on activities and team-based learning may help engineering students to close the gap between theory, previous knowledge and real-life situations, while promoting a structured form of learning deeper and developing critical thinking. The four sequenced activities of team-based learning included were: 1) preparation; 2) readiness assurance testing; 3) feedback; 4) application of knowledge through problem solving activities. The resources prepared for the hands-on and for the team-based learning activities are presented, together with the strategies used to assess the success of blending hands-on and team-based learning. The results obtained by students on an individual quiz and later on the same quiz tackled in groups are presented and discussed. The group discussion led to higher percentage of correct answers in the quiz. At the end of the session most students achieved the predefined learning outcomes. Based on the students’ perceptions collected, the receptivity of the students to the model is very good.