Common learning outcomes for construction professionals

Citation

(1998), "Common learning outcomes for construction professionals", Facilities, Vol. 16 No. 1/2. https://doi.org/10.1108/f.1998.06916aab.003

Common learning outcomes for construction professionals

Common learning outcomes for construction professionals

All the major professional bodies representing construction met recently to pledge publicly their commitment to the set of "common learning outcomes" developed by the Construction Industry Board for integration into all degree programmes for construction and the built-environment.

At a ceremony to mark the occasion each body signed a "memorandum of understanding" with the CIB stating that degree accreditation would now be dependent on evidence of the common learning outcomes being made available by the providers of courses. In future accredited courses which provide for these learning outcomes will be able to be designated a "CIB course" and may carry the CIB's logo.

Sir Michael Latham's review of construction specifically called for greater teamwork and better awareness of the role of other construction professionals. The CIB published Educating the Professional Team in October 1996 which recommended the development of a common core of "foundation" for all construction professions.

The CIB appointed the Construction Industry Council (CIC) as the implementation agency for this work and a co-ordinating committee led by Robin Wilson has worked over the last ten months to establish a Memorandum of Understanding between each professional body and the CIB. Rather than an approach based on common modules, a set of "common learning outcomes" which all construction professionals can achieve has been developed. These specifically include outcomes which demonstrated enhanced communication, group dynamics and professional awareness.

The application of the common learning outcomes should lead to more interaction and teamwork between professionals from different disciplines. "Effective teamwork is an important ingredient for success on any construction project", said Robin Wilson. "Understanding and appreciating this basic fact should be a fundamental element in the education of all construction professionals. The common learning outcomes developed are practical and achievable, and should furnish tomorrow's construction professionals with the multi-disciplinary and teamwork skills required to change the way construction does business."

Speaking at the signing ceremony Tony Jackson, Chairman of the CIB, welcomed the Memorandum as a major step in implementing changes to the national education system for construction professionals: "I am delighted at the enthusiasm and commitment being demonstrated collectively by all the professional bodies. It is now the immediate task of each institution and higher education establishment to determine precisely how these learning outcomes will be effectively integrated within their individual teaching programmes. I am convinced that in time this will have a major impact on the culture adopted by future generations of construction professionals."

Geoff Wright, Director of UK Property Hammerson plc, and Chairman of the Construction Clients Forum, said: "The clients of the construction industry welcome this evidence of the willingness of the construction professions to identify areas where a common approach to professional education can be achieved. Clients want construction professions to be more responsive to their requirements, particularly in relation to management of the construction process. An agreed approach to professional education will assist in achieving this."

A copy of the common learning outcomes, Educating the Professional Team, is available priced £10 from Thomas Telford Publishing. Tel: 0171 987 6999. A box set of all 14 CIB codes of practice, guides and reports is available priced £72.50.