Our work-based learning project brings real world skills into the classroom. Although many people assume the asphalt pavement industry is only about materials and field work, it’s also a business that requires accurate estimating, planning, engineering, scheduling, communication, entrepreneurial thinking, marketing, and more.
In addition to being heavy and expensive, asphalt pavement and concrete are perishable in the sense that once they are made, there is a short period of time within which they must be placed. Businesses, families, and individuals all use the roads, bridges, and parking lots, which adds to the pressure to get every project done correctly and quickly. The skills that it takes to succeed in the industry can help anyone succeed in any industry.
The project requires teams of students to form hypothetical construction companies and develop written and oral proposals for a real-life project. Developing the proposals requires students to use math, science, engineering, communication, and marketing skills to figure out the best way to complete the project. Because industry-specific knowledge is required, every team is connected with a mentor from the Oregon asphalt pavement industry. The teams compete against their peers (like in the real world) and present their finished proposals to the Asphalt Pavement Association of Oregon’s Board of Directors, who usually awards the top teams each semester with a scholarship.
Students who complete the project will never ask “when am I ever going to use this stuff?” One of the great things about the project is that it requires students to use the concepts covered in many different classes as part of one project in a real-world setting, which has given more than a few students that “aha moment” where they realize the importance of what they are learning. The project does not require advanced mathematics or writing skills, students need only know the basics, but they must apply the basics seamlessly and as part of a team, which is an important real-life skill.
In addition to being heavy and expensive, asphalt pavement and concrete are perishable in the sense that once they are made, there is a short period of time within which they must be placed. Businesses, families, and individuals all use the roads, bridges, and parking lots, which adds to the pressure to get every project done correctly and quickly. The skills that it takes to succeed in the industry can help anyone succeed in any industry.
The project requires teams of students to form hypothetical construction companies and develop written and oral proposals for a real-life project. Developing the proposals requires students to use math, science, engineering, communication, and marketing skills to figure out the best way to complete the project. Because industry-specific knowledge is required, every team is connected with a mentor from the Oregon asphalt pavement industry. The teams compete against their peers (like in the real world) and present their finished proposals to the Asphalt Pavement Association of Oregon’s Board of Directors, who usually awards the top teams each semester with a scholarship.
Students who complete the project will never ask “when am I ever going to use this stuff?” One of the great things about the project is that it requires students to use the concepts covered in many different classes as part of one project in a real-world setting, which has given more than a few students that “aha moment” where they realize the importance of what they are learning. The project does not require advanced mathematics or writing skills, students need only know the basics, but they must apply the basics seamlessly and as part of a team, which is an important real-life skill.
Documents for Project: