Challenges and Experiences in Teaching a Concrete Problems Diagnosis and Repair Course

In 2009, a new industry oriented technology degree called Concrete Industry Management was established at Texas State University-San Marcos. This program is one of the only five such across the nation. A unique aspect of this program is the inclusion of a senior level course that focuses on problem solving in the area of concrete products. Students are exposed to methods for recognizing and diagnosing concrete problems and measures that may be employed to resolve these problems. The course is integrative in nature and requires background material from several sophomore and junior level concrete material-related courses. The course embodies an unique pedagogical challenge as students are not only required to imbibe specific technical content, but also develop the ability to solve technical workplace problems. The course is also challenging from the instructor’s standpoint for the technical content covered may come across to the students as being dry, besides multiple topics need to be covered therefore the time presents a significant constraint as well. However, the knowledge and skills acquired in this course will be very valuable to the graduates as they embark on professional careers in the concrete industry. The paper details the design of the course, issues involved in teaching, and the strategies that were employed to resolve the issues.