Exploring a flipped approach to Construction Technology teaching, for inclusive learning and assessment

Davidson, Clare; Archila, Hector

Abstract

The Covid pandemic in 2020 and the subsequent blended learning approaches, provided an opportunity for lecturers to re-design the delivery of ‘Construction Technology’ modules at UWE. Many of the approaches developed during the pandemic are now considered ‘best practice’.
Students enrolled in Construction Technology and Services at UWE, are now enjoying a ‘flipped classroom approach’ that involves 1) preparation of learning materials - a week in advance; 2) participation’ on face-to-face ‘lectorials’ and seminars; and 3) practice/application of knowledge through regular quizzes and tasks.
Xerte is a web-based platform that enables the lecturers to deliver interactive learning objects in the form of small tasks, formative quizzes, video recordings, embedded regulatory documents and curated resources.
The ‘Lectorial’ moves away from the more traditional ‘passive learning’ approach - which this module was once modelled on - towards a more active student-centred, constructivist approach. Digital training and new software innovations are used to address diverse learning styles and abilities, making the experience more inclusive for all.
The face-to-face lectorials are regarded as valuable slots in the students’ timetable, reserved primarily for weekly-assigned tasks that reinforce the learning material, as well as offering opportunities for discussion, feedback, peer-review, and demonstrations.
Online quizzes, together with regular task submissions discussed in smaller Seminar groups, allow Module Leaders to identify the students who are failing to engage well with the module, in an attempt to close the reported ‘attainment gap’.

• Presentation Conference Type: Presentation / Talk
• Conference Name: Innovation in Built Environment Education Conference, iBEE2023
• Start Date: Apr 4, 2023
• End Date: Apr 5, 2023
• Deposit Date: Aug 1, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 1, 2023
• Keywords: Flipped approach, Pedagogy, inclusivity, diversity, Construction Technology, assessment
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/10889028