Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of introducing modeling experiences in learning skills to design a detailed section of timber structure. Comparisons of detailed sections between two groups of students (Group 1 experienced modeling while Group 2 did not) showed that the experience of modeling had positive effects on skill acquisition in designing a detailed section. In particular, Group 1 had more comprehensive strength, higher levels of imagination, deeper understanding and more stable knowledge. The study also suggests that (1) making a model of a three-dimensional object is an effective learning method to enhance comprehensive strength and advanced imagination, (2) it is important to enable students to actively participate in the experience, and (3) students can acquire the knowledge of designing a detailed section of timber structure by actually operating it through the experience.
