Student and professional perceptions of the value of service learning programs related to construction management competencies
Abstract
The goal of this study was to determine the effectiveness of service learning programs to develop construction management competencies in students attending Purdue University and the Milwaukee School of Engineering. Many opportunities are available for college students to participate in service learning programs. However no real evaluation of the construction competencies developed through service learning has been assessed. Data was collected from professionals in the construction industry that would have bearing on the initial hiring process of new graduates, and also from university students of all grade levels both with and without any service learning experience. The results recorded the professional's opinions of the importance of various construction skills and their perceived notions of service learning programs, as well as student's expectations and outcomes before and after working with an organization. The data was compared to establish the perceived effectiveness of the programs by professionals, the actual effectiveness of them as seen by students, and to determine how close these two populations share similar thinking. The results of the study provide insight to both students and professionals about the development of construction management competencies within service learning.
Degree
M.S.
Advisors
Koch, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Educational evaluation|Civil engineering|Urban planning
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