Enhancing Civil Engineering Education: Using Measurement Sensors to Teach Material and Structural Behavior

The article compares two teaching methods: the traditional approach, which focuses on theoretical explanations and mathematical calculations, and the experimental approach, which incorporates measurement sensors into teaching activities involving structural elements. The goal of the experimental method is to provide students with a more interactive and hands-on learning experience. In the traditional approach, teaching is mainly done through theoretical lectures, using mathematical formulas, diagrams, and explanatory graphs. Students play a passive role, mainly listening to lectures, taking notes and solving paper-based exercises. While this method is crucial for building a solid theoretical foundation, it can feel abstract and difficult for students to relate to the practical realities of civil engineering. In contrast, the experimental approach involves using measurement sensors in tests on materials and structural elements, allowing students to observe their behavior in real time under various types of loads. By measuring and analyzing parameters like stress, displacement and strain, students can connect the data they gather with the theoretical concepts they've learned. This approach allows students to see the actual effects of loads on various materials and structural elements, enhancing their understanding of how they respond in practice. Another benefit of the experimental approach is the increased interactivity and engagement it offers. Rather than being passive recipients of information, students actively participate in data collection and analysis, which helps develop their critical thinking and practical skills. Additionally, using sensors gives students hands-on experience with modern technology, better preparing them for the demands of the construction industry.