Today’s lesson is on Grading and Drainage. Being first year’s students, they need to know only basic levels and calculations of gradients and basic drainage. I used diagrams and worked examples to explain calculation of gradient. After the lecture, they are required to draw up a levels plan for their design project, indicating top of wall levels, finished levels for various surfaces and ground levels for planting areas. Contours are reserved for year 3 students.

Today’s lesson is on Planting Plan. Planting plans are an important aspect of a project and students need to master it by the time they graduate. As these are year 1 students, I gave a basic introduction of the purpose of planting plans, the components and how to draw one. After the lecture, they are required to draw up a planting plan for their design project, which by now is in the design development and documentation stages. The following is the Active Learning Evaluation for today’s class:

 

Active Learning Method: Drawing a planting plan and calculating plant quantities – one on one coaching and feedback (Problem Solving)

 

Why did you choose this active learning method?

As a design studio, there is a lot of emphasis on drawing, design, sketching whether as individuals or small groups. By giving the students a task of drawing an actual planting plan which is part of their Design Studio project, the students would be able to gain a lot of on-hands experience in what is involved in drawing a planting plan and coming up with a planting schedule for contactors to build upon. The learning curve would be steeper than if it were just a theoretical lecture.

 

How did you incorporate this into your teaching session and what were the results?

I gave a lecture on planting plan and planting details and schedule. I then gave them the task of drawing up a planting plan which involves drafting, calculating areas of planting beds and plant quantities and finally drawing up planting details. As this was a requirement for their project work for another module, the students were killing two birds with one stone. I was fortunate to have a class of 40 students thus I was able to have a one-on-one session with each student as they work out the planting plan. The students were appreciative. At the end of the Semester, they all did well for their Design Studio project, there were no failures and the normal curve tended towards a B.

 

What would you do differently if you had a chance to do it again?

I probably would incorporate more examples from actual projects. I did give one or two but I think more would have helped.

 

Will you ever use this active learning method again? Do provide reasons or your reflective thoughts here.

I would definitely use this active learning method again. Moreover, this is a standard method for the Diploma in Landscape Architecture course. It has an integrated module system whereby all modules are geared towards the Design Project for all years. Thus, all studio work for all modules is catered towards a definite outcome as a portfolio of drawings for design projects. These studio works are the active learning components of the various lessons given to the students.