Can an Integrated Problem-Based Learning Framework Improve Natural Hazard Management?

Abstract

The role of integrated problem-based learning (PBL) in improving natural hazard management is discussed. The proposed PBL educational activities aim to better comprehend the crossdisciplinary context of hazard mitigation. Some of the benefits of PBL include improving students' problem solving and critical thinking skills, promoting high motivation for students, and increasing the ability to integrate and apply engineering skills with fundamentals of math and science. A new undergraduate civil engineering course about hazard risk management is developed that has three distinct themes, assessment, management, and communication through recognizing who is likely to be exposed to a hazard, what human and physical resources might be damaged by such an event, and what community strengths may be drawn upon to develop effective resilience against the hazard.

Department(s)

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering

Keywords and Phrases

Critical thinking skills; Cross-disciplinary; Educational activities; Engineering course; Engineering skills; Hazard mitigations; Natural hazard; Physical resources; Problem based learning, Civil engineering; Hazards; Problem solving; Risk management; Technical presentations, Students

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

1052-3928; 1943-5541

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2012 American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jan 2012

Link to Full Text

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