Examines three broad areas related to the formal learning of engineering. These areas focus on: (1) approaches to learning; (2) developing engineering curricula; and (3) curriculum planning for the future. Also considers whether current engineering curricula can accommodate needed changes. (JN)

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health instituted a project in 1980 to encourage engineering educators to focus on occupational safety and health issues in engineering curricula. Progress to date is outlined, considering specific results in curriculum development, engineering society interaction, and formation of a teaching…

Argues in favor of establishing an accreditable curriculum in "pure" astronautical engineering (leading to a bachelor of science degree in this field), giving reasons why such reform is needed (including equating "astronautics" with "aeronautics") and why a new curriculum is needed. (JN)

Questionnaires were sent to 534 contractors in Pennsylvania asking which construction courses best prepare students for careers in construction engineering. Results (based on a response rate of 38 percent, N=104) of the contractors attitudes toward seven subjects and their background are presented and discussed. Implications for the curriculum are…

PLATO has become a successful method for computer-based education in a statics course since it offers diversified teaching/learning activities as well as alternative ways to teach content and exercise skills. Advantages for student learning are discussed, course guidelines are given, and a description of the course's computer graphics is provided.…

Discusses eight steps to modify the way engineering schools operate. They include hiring some experienced engineers as faculty, incorporating peer and student review of teaching performance in faculty evaluations, reversing the tendency to make curricula increasingly narrow and specialized, and adopting a systems approach to engineering education.…

The Ainsworth-Lund transformation process model offers a framework for observing and assessing growth/development by identifying needs and matching them to available resources. The model's four phases are described and an annotated bibliography is provided which documents the engineering education experiences corresponding to each phase. (JN)

Reviews and discusses objectives of the humanities and social science (HSS) component in undergraduate engineering programs, examining variations in HSS requirements among engineering disciplines. Also suggests some innovative approaches intended to resolve the conflict between the objectives and the current reality in engineering curricula. (JN)

Describes: (1) the selection of honors students; (2) components of a superior education; and (3) honors programs at Iowa State University (ISU). Programs at ISU include honors courses, honors seminars, converted courses, independent study, as well as altering requirements. (JN)

Mechanics courses at West Virginia University are taught exclusively from programed instructional materials. Presents: (1) descriptions of these courses; (2) data indicating higher achievement by students participating in programed courses compared to students in courses using the lecture method; and (3) reasons for the success of the courses. (DH)

Discusses programming projects in applied technology courses, examining documentation, formal reports, and implementation. Includes recommendations based on experience with a sophomore machine elements course which provided computers for problem solving exercises. (DH)

Describes how computers have been integrated into the engineering technology curriculum at Murray State University, focusing on their use in instructional programs, required programming, simulation, and computational projects. Also focuses on computer assisted instructional formats. Indicates no restructuring of course content, expansion of…

Analyzes the relationship between precollege and college microcomputer use, focusing on equity (who gets access to microcomputers) and on curricular policy (how engineering colleges adapt to the advent of popular microcomputing). Computer hardware, instructional issues, and educational objectives are also considered. (Author/JN)

Provides a viewpoint regarding the failure in engineering education to realize the most fundamental goals of liberal studies. These authors develop the theme of "transcendental engineering," a conception that bridges the gap between theoretical disciplines of the liberal arts college and practical studies of the engineering schools. (CS)

Describes a student-directed computer system revival project in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department at California State Polytechnic University, which originated when an obsolete computer was donated to the department. Discusses resulting effects in undergraduate course offerings, in student extracurricular activities, and in…