Analysis of the retaining wall design problem in the framework of the Tyler Rationale

The coherence of any education system lies on the respect of the Tyler Rationale which puts the relationship between the objectives, the teaching method and the evaluation forward. The practical part of the examination of the course of Geotechnics generally includes a retaining wall design problem. We listed and classified the mistakes identified in the student answers for the retaining wall design problem. In this classification, the mistakes specific to geotechnics are distinguished from the ones which are not specific to geotechnics. This list allows the teacher to be aware of the most common mistakes so he can insist on things not to do during the learning experiences. The classification is also fundamental. Indeed, if a student failed essentially because of a lack of pre-requisites, there is no reason he succeed by repeating the course in the same conditions. He should be therefore redirected to a self-regulating.