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Hartmann, A, Dorée, A and Martin, L (2010) A constructivist approach for teaching research methodology in construction management. International Journal of Construction Education and Research, 6(04), 253–70.

  • Type: Journal Article
  • Keywords: constructivism; education; research methodology; role-play
  • ISBN/ISSN: 1557-8771
  • URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/15578771.2010.527181
  • Abstract:
    Construction Management (CM) is an acknowledged field of expertise and profession that requires students to research real world problems. To prepare the students for this task, many CM programs contain a Research Methodology (RM) course. However, after taking part in these courses, many students still lack the ability to define the scope of their research problem and find an appropriate research design. In order to counteract this situation, a constructivist approach to teach RM was developed. A role-play is the central element of this approach in which the students take on the role of “problem-owners” and “researchers.” The teaching approach was embedded in RM courses at the University of Twente (The Netherlands) and at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (South Africa). In both cases the lecturers noticed that the students became more aware of the complexity and vagueness of construction management problems. They were better able to define the research problems and communicate the relevance of the problem at hand. The approach further helps to put RM in a more realistic and pragmatic perspective.

Jiang, Y, Chen, H and Li, S (2010) Determination of contract time and incentive and disincentive values of highway construction projects. International Journal of Construction Education and Research, 6(04), 285–302.

Lavy, S, Aggarwal, C and Porwal, V (2010) Fatalities of Hispanic workers: safety initiatives taken by US construction companies to address linguistic and cultural issues. International Journal of Construction Education and Research, 6(04), 271–84.

Morcous, G and Sekpe, V (2010) Inspection of insulated concrete form walls using ground penetrating radar. International Journal of Construction Education and Research, 6(04), 303–17.