Rock mechanics through project-based learning / Механика горных пород (геомеханика) через проектное обучение

Our experience as teachers indicates that a traditional format where the instructor provides students with theoretical knowledge through a series of lectures and abstract textbook problems is not sufficient to prepare students to tackle real geotechnical challenges. There is a disjunct between what students are taught in universities and what they are expected to do as engineers. Although students may easily derive complex equations in class, they often struggle when faced with practical engineering problems in the workplace. It is thus not surprising that a project-based approach to learning, which partially simulates what engineers do in real life, has proved to be a valid alternative to the traditional method (Gratchev and Jeng, 2018; Gratchev et al., 2018). Project-based learning not only provides students with opportunities to better understand the fundamentals of geotechnical engineering, but it also allows them to gain more practical experience and learn how to apply theory to practice.  In addition, working on a practical project makes the learning process more relevant and engaging. <...>