Student motivation for civil engineering practice: innovative initiatives of ISEP Civil Engineering Degree

Abstract

This paper describes two innovating initiatives conducted by the board of directors of the 1st Cycle Degree on Civil Engineering from Polytechnic of Porto – School of Engineering (LEC/ISEP) seeking to promote the integration and motivation of students in the course while simultaneously increasing the employability of the degree graduates.

On academic year, 2018/19, the initiative EngenheiroCivil@Work addressed to first curricular year students was set in motion, promoting a short experience of live contact with the practice of civil engineering and the engineers on their workplace. On “Projeto Integrado” (PROJI) a last curricular year course unit, students have been given the chance, since 2015/16, to develop an assignment on a professional environment seeking to promote professional experiences destined to students.

Both experiences are monitored and evaluated by LEC/ISEP’s board of directors through inquiries and a close and continuous informal contact with all participants.

These innovating initiatives have been the subject of a strong and committed participation from students, teachers and companies. Together, all parts involved have been largely contributing for the sustainability of the degree on the perspective of student numbers maintenance, increased motivation and interest of students and on the promotion of pedagogical practices centered on real civil engineering activities.