Proceeding of the 2014 Midwest Section Conference of the American Society for Engineering Education   Fundamentals of Framing Construction in Architectural Engineering: A Hands-on Learning Experience Semih G. Yildirim, Stuart W. Baur, Roger A. LaBoube Missouri University of Science & Technology 211 Butler - Carlton Hall, 1401 N. Pine St. Rolla, MO 65409 Abstract Education of framing construction is a component of the undergraduate architectural engineering curriculum. Besides the traditional lecture learning environment, problem-based learning (PBL) is an alternative to support teaching fundamentals of framing construction. PBL can be described as a learning environment where the problem drives learning or as “learning by doing”. It has been implemented at different levels of education in the world since first introduced in 1960’s. For a university curriculum it may be recommended that using multiple educational models together as traditional lecture learning environment and PBL may be beneficial. PBL activity can be supported by preparatory blocks / sections such as mock-up assembly as PBL exercise in this case study. This approach was accepted in Missouri S&T Architectural Engineering Program ArchE 103 course during spring 2014 term to maintain a hands-on learning experience on framing construction. The PBL activity was narrowed through “the task project” as completion of scaled model study of timber frame house by the help of user / design guide. The PBL activity was formulated by the help of prefabrication rules, open building concept and prescriptive codes. Framing construction was selected as timber framing system because of consistent demand at the construction industry and ease of availability and workability with balsa sticks to study scaled models. Other construction methods, such as; prefabricated reinforced concrete system or cold- formed steel framing system were discussed in lecture but not developed into a scale model PBL exercise due to cost. Evaluation criteria are important for the students to evaluate their work products more consciously. In order to determine the outcomes of the PBL activity in this case study, a survey was held two times before and after the hands-on learning experience. The survey results show that the PBL activity had positive impact on the traditional lecture learning environment. Introduction Demand for framing construction using either timber or cold-formed steel is widespread around the world. Therefore, engineers and architects need basic knowledge of these framing construction methods. In order to meet needs of future engineers and architects, education of framing construction methods has become an essential part of the undergraduate curriculum. Rules and possible outcomes of problem-based learning are incorporated with the thought learning environment to teach the fundamentals of framing construction instead of using traditional learning environment. Particularly in architectural engineering education, hands-on learning experience is crucial to improve design skills and longer retention of desired knowledge