Title: Creative Teaching and Its Influence on Innovative Concrete Structures

Author(s): Fazlur R. Khan

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 72

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 355-364

Keywords: construction; education; engineering education; rein-forced concrete; research; structural engineering; structures.

DOI: 10.14359/6768

Date: 12/1/1981

Abstract:
During the last twenty-five years many structural innovations have been made relating to reinforced concrete systems for buildings. Among many factors that affect innovative developments by engineers, an extremely significant one is the educational back-ground and environment during the formative years in the university. This particular factor, although often overlooked, needs to be recognized by the educational institutions. The author discusses the possible impact of a creative teacher on a student's innovative approach in his later career, and as an example, traces his own occasional success at innovations to such a teacher at the University of Illinois where he did his graduate studies. A special tribute is therefore offered to Prof. Chester A. Siess whose constant encouragement to think critically in a creative way greatly affected the author's professional career.