Teaching and learning in AEC education - the building information modelling factor

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is effecting a fundamental change through the architectural, engineering and construction industry (AEC) and simultaneously influencing curricula and course delivery within these disciplines. The aim of this research was to assist AEC educators in curricula and course development, and also to make the results of future research on BIM education more profound by identifying a wide body of literature which addresses learning theories, approaches and methods used. This research systematically reviewed research methods, data collections, and location and discipline information involving BIM education literature, under the categories of learning theories, learning approaches and learning methods. These theories, approaches and methods were investigated using an inductive analysis. In-depth discussion on learning theories in the literature was quite limited. There was found to be much discussion on learning approaches and methods, collaborative and active approaches, with project and problem-based methods being the most popular. BIM has encouraged and enabled the use of realistic project simulation and problem setting and the nature of BIM as a collaborative way of working has also pushed the AEC educators to trial multidisciplinary delivery models.