Improving graduates' attributes through laboratory teamwork

Daniela Ionescu, Joe Petrolito, Bandita Mainali, Haider Al Abadi

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference proceeding contributionpeer-review

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Abstract

In today's changing global environment engineering graduates are expected to have both technical and soft skills. Accordingly, La Trobe University has incorporated the soft skills of communication, teamwork, interpersonal skills and leadership into its Civil Engineering course. This paper describes the contribution of teamwork to the development of soft skills during laboratory classes in a number of subjects taught at the second, third and fourth years of study. The assessment for the practical component was designed to enhance teamwork and measure the students' contribution during the laboratory/field sessions. The practical classes and teamwork requirements improved the students' technical knowledge, and students became more aware of their own strengths and weaknesses. It also enhanced students' communication skills and promoted the development of interpersonal skills and a responsible attitude.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the Eighth International Structural Engineering and Construction Conference
Subtitle of host publicationImplementing Innovative Ideas in Structural Engineering and Project Management
EditorsSwapan Saha, Y. X. Zhang, Siamak Yazdani, Amarjit Singh
Place of PublicationSydney
PublisherISEC Press
Pages1001-1006
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9780996043717
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015
Externally publishedYes
Event8th International Structural Engineering and Construction Conference: Implementing Innovative Ideas in Structural Engineering and Project Management, ISEC 2015 - Sydney, Australia
Duration: 23 Nov 201528 Nov 2015

Publication series

NameProceedings of International Structural Engineering and Construction
ISSN (Print)2644-108X

Conference

Conference8th International Structural Engineering and Construction Conference: Implementing Innovative Ideas in Structural Engineering and Project Management, ISEC 2015
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CitySydney
Period23/11/1528/11/15

Bibliographical note

Copyright © 2015 ISEC Press. Version archived for private and non-commercial use with the permission of the author/s and according to publisher conditions. For further rights please contact the publisher.

Keywords

  • Communication skills
  • Group work
  • Oral communication skills
  • Practical sessions
  • Soft skills
  • Written communication skills

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