| Title |
A Case Study of An Alternative Design Studio Course for Undergraduate Students in Architecture |
| Authors |
Lee Do-Young ; Chung Hyun-Mi |
| Keywords |
Constructivist Instructional Model ; Problem-Based Learning(PBL) ; Pro-Arc System(on-line CoP) ; Studio Operation and Evaluation |
| Abstract |
This study proposes to address results of analyzing an alternative design studio course utilizing a constructivist instructional model for undergraduate students in architecture. The model is developed based on both Problem Based Learning(so-called PBL) and on-line Community of Practice(CoP) concepts that are largely representative of constructivist approach for a higher level of education. Based on the model, a design studio is carefully planned and designed, actually operated on 2nd semester, 2007 for 3 year students of ‘A’ university in a countryside regional city. As a teaching and learning method, PBL is used for problem solving on major issues of a collective housing project, while practice-based on-line community of practice as realized by Pro-Arc system is used for professional interactions and communication. Both PBL and CoP activities are construed to support students’ problem solving and design activities, improving their ability as pre-professionals. Data are gathered all throughout the whole semester as the course is operated. Overall, the studio is successfully operated as planned. The results are summarized as follows. First, PBL as utilized in design studio course turns out to be effective for students to solve their problems. Second, Web based on-line Pro-Arc system serves as an effective learning space particularly in off-line design studio environments lacking professional interactions. Third, multiple participation of students from several institutions with similar learning objectives is largely encouraged to create an effective learning environment lots of professional knowledge and activities are interchanged. To be successful, fourth, seminars or workshops on PBL and on-line CoP activities using Pro-Arc system need to be organized for tutors, students, outside professionals. Understanding a new teaching and learning method would be the first obligation for all groups to actually enroll in a practice-based professional community. Finally, a set of manuals for handling Pro-Arc system need to be prepared for its practical use. |