Identifying Effective Tools for Teaching Construction Estimating Take-off Courses

10 pages•Published: July 23, 2025

Abstract

Construction estimating courses are foundational in preparing students for careers in the construction industry. This study aims to identify effective teaching tools for construction estimating quantity take-off (QTO) courses through a survey with instructors. The survey, with 55 responses, examined the tools currently used, evaluated their effectiveness in enhancing student learning, and identified some challenges the instructors faced. The study results showed that 80 percent of respondents used visualization tools, and the four most effective tools were 3D objects, 3D SketchUp models, 3D Revit models, and YouTube videos. Respondents also stated that these tools helped visual learners and improved other students' understanding of complex drawings while also increasing their confidence and skills in planning. However, limitations and challenges such as lack of course-project-specific 3D models, reliance on the tools, and technological and licensing issues have been identified in some institutions. In the absence of visualization tools, some instructors frequently relied on traditional approaches. The study also emphasized the broader usefulness of visualization tools beyond QTO courses, indicating their potential use in construction safety, planning and scheduling, and site logistics courses. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) tools typically showed great promise for generating immersive, scenario-driven learning experiences.

Keyphrases: construction, course, effective, estimating, teaching, tools

In: Wesley Collins, Anthony J. Perrenoud and John Posillico (editors). Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 61st Annual International Conference, vol 6, pages 260-269.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/1P4Q9
	https://doi.org/10.29007/519f

BibTeX entry

@inproceedings{ASC2025:Identifying_Effective_Tools_Teaching,
  author    = {Kishor Shrestha and Bakari Bakari},
  title     = {Identifying Effective Tools for Teaching Construction Estimating Take-off Courses},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 61st Annual International Conference},
  editor    = {Wesley Collins and Anthony J. Perrenoud and John Posillico},
  series    = {EPiC Series in Built Environment},
  volume    = {6},
  publisher = {EasyChair},
  bibsource = {EasyChair, https://easychair.org},
  issn      = {2632-881X},
  url       = {/publications/paper/1P4Q9},
  doi       = {10.29007/519f},
  pages     = {260-269},
  year      = {2025}}

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