This commentary was stimulated by Yeping Li's first editorial (2014) citing one of the journal's goals as adding multidisciplinary perspectives to current studies of single disciplines comprising the focus of other journals. In this commentary, I argue for a greater focus on STEM integration, with a more equitable representation of the four…

This is the tenth in a series of articles entitled "The Legacy Project." The Legacy Project focuses on the lives and actions of leaders who have forged our profession into what it is today. Members of the profession owe a debt of gratitude to these leaders. One simple way to demonstrate that gratitude is to recognize these leaders and…

Before leaders in technology education are able to identify a theoretical framework upon which a curriculum is to stand, they must first grapple with two opposing views of the purpose of technology education--education for all learners or career/technical education. Dakers (2006) identifies two opposing philosophies that can serve as a framework…

Describes the introduction of the Modelling Track in a Mathematical Engineering curriculum as a response to the employers' complaints about Dutch graduates' poor ability to apply theoretical knowledge. Describes the introduction of Design Based Learning (DBL), meaning professionalization, activation, co-operation, creativity, integration and…

Discusses the importance of mathematical geometric education for engineers. Describes geometry as the basic platform to get involved with the creation of models in the forms of images which can offer an unprecedented basis for logical reasoning supported by practical applications. (Author/YDS)

States that universities and engineering firms do not generally train engineers in business technical writing, although firms benefit from having engineers who can write clear descriptions of their work. Suggests a program to promote writing skills of engineers and engineering students with limited English skills that involves clear, logical lists…

This article presents the text of a speech given by the author at the Maley Spirit of Excellence Breakfast in March, 2006. In this address, Sanders talks about the characteristics necessary for technology education leadership, and recommends seven leadership initiatives that the profession should pursue: (1) State-level political action; (2)…

Presents a new model to account for lecturing in a second language. The model is based on extensive ethnographic research conducted over the past 10 years at a university in Hong Kong, and in particular of an ethnographic case study of engineering students. (Author/VWL)

Discusses the use of a computer-illustrated text (CIT) with integrated software to teach electric circuit theory to college students. Examples of software use are given, including simple animation, graphical displays, and problem-solving programs. Issues affecting electric circuit theory instruction are also addressed, including mathematical…

The greatest future impacts of the computer communications technology upon engineering education may exist in its capacity to manage total systems and to extend education beyond current campus borders. Computers can guide learners, professionals, and agencies in education to methods maximized to attain their goals. Sophisticated information…

Discusses a paradigm shift from technological positivism to social systems thinking in technology. Describes the role of engineers and engineering education from the perspective of this new orientation. (YP)

Presented is a discussion of the state of undergraduate education in science and engineering based on the interviews with a number of college students. Discussed are the underlying issues: recruitment, motivation, retention, curriculum, teaching incentives, role models and mentoring, hands-on experience, the nerd image, and quality of life. (KR)

Hispanics are one of the largest and fastest-growing minority groups in the United States. Projections indicate a need for an increase of 20% of practicing engineers by 2010. Despite the growing number of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) careers in the American economy, education statistics suggest that too few Hispanic students…

A method is proposed to tie good writing skills to science and engineering curriculum without actually teaching writing. It encourages students to explain in writing the reasoning behind solutions to technical and mathematical problems. This places emphasis on reasoning rather than intimidating symbols and rewards clarity and cohesion. (MSE)

Overcoming the education obstacles facing women, minorities, and the disabled is discussed. A report published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) on the topic of bringing underrepresented groups back on track for careers in science, math, and engineering is examined. (KR)