Teaching acoustics to architects in 12 Hrs.: Drinking from the acoustics fire hose

摘要

Teaching acoustics to architecture students is an enlightening position in which to find oneself; teaching acoustics to architecture students within a course period of only 12 Hrs requires a balance of clear organization, concise and efficient delivery, student engagement and the instructor's ability to adapt. Having taught in this format for several years, experience has shown that organization and efficiency are critical for delivering the conceptual content of architectural acoustics within this short period. Short lists punctuate the key concepts and topics and provide a framework for the students to establish their own organization of the new knowledge. Equally important are engaging the students to require them to think about and apply what they are learning; class participation and a final project, which will be discussed, provide these opportunities. The final important ingredient for success is the instructor's ability to listen and understand the questions from the students; clarifying confusion and decoding different terminology, injecting relevant exeriences and insights, and using analogies and anecdotes all reinforce the learning process. While this short course length is not advisable or desirable, the approaches discussed help make the time most effective for the students' ability to succeed at being more aware of acoustics.