Structural mechanics is a crucial subject in building structures and civil engineering, yet many learners struggle to grasp its concepts proficiently. Despite previous research showing improvements in comprehension through learning support programs and videos, challenges persist in visualizing complex concepts solely through words and figures. To address these challenges, this research developed a graphic animation tool aimed at aiding in conceptualizing difficult terms. The tool’s content, focusing on cross-sectional forces, stresses, and structural deformations, was informed by an interview survey conducted with ten students whose exercise scores ranked in the lower one-third among learners. Utilizing the macro functions of Microsoft Excel, the tool is accessible during lectures and self-study at home. It features distribution diagrams, including flexural moment (M) diagrams, shear force (Q) diagrams, and deflection curves of various beam types, such as cantilevers, simply supported, overhanging, and Gerber beams, as well as normal stress (σ) and shear stress (τ) distributions of cantilevers and simply supported beams. To evaluate the tool’s impact on comprehension, questionnaire surveys were conducted to assess changes in learners’ understanding after using it. Respondents consistently reported improvements in comprehension, with observations indicating positive outcomes for a significant number of learners. Overall, the effectiveness of the tool in enhancing understanding and suggesting its potential as a valuable resource in structural mechanics education can be underscored.

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Development of a Supporting Tool to Enhance Imagination in Learning Structural Mechanics

  • Li Li,
  • Ayaka Fuchigami

摘要

Structural mechanics is a crucial subject in building structures and civil engineering, yet many learners struggle to grasp its concepts proficiently. Despite previous research showing improvements in comprehension through learning support programs and videos, challenges persist in visualizing complex concepts solely through words and figures. To address these challenges, this research developed a graphic animation tool aimed at aiding in conceptualizing difficult terms. The tool’s content, focusing on cross-sectional forces, stresses, and structural deformations, was informed by an interview survey conducted with ten students whose exercise scores ranked in the lower one-third among learners. Utilizing the macro functions of Microsoft Excel, the tool is accessible during lectures and self-study at home. It features distribution diagrams, including flexural moment (M) diagrams, shear force (Q) diagrams, and deflection curves of various beam types, such as cantilevers, simply supported, overhanging, and Gerber beams, as well as normal stress (σ) and shear stress (τ) distributions of cantilevers and simply supported beams. To evaluate the tool’s impact on comprehension, questionnaire surveys were conducted to assess changes in learners’ understanding after using it. Respondents consistently reported improvements in comprehension, with observations indicating positive outcomes for a significant number of learners. Overall, the effectiveness of the tool in enhancing understanding and suggesting its potential as a valuable resource in structural mechanics education can be underscored.