Innovative techniques to teach civil engineering materials laboratory

The introduction of innovative techniques at Rowan University to teach civil engineering (CE) materials laboratory which is taught in the junior year as a required course is discussed. The course was redesigned to ensure that every student actively participates in the laboratory and understands the material behavior. The number of topics covered in the class were divided into four major areas, timber, aggregates, asphalt concrete and cement concrete. The methodology has been very effective, information is more organized and flows better. This can be attributed to the fact that the rational behind developing standardized laboratory procedure have broad ranging applications on the civil engineering industry as a whole.