The undergraduate years are a turning point in producing scientifically literate citizens and future scientists and engineers. Evidence from research about how students learn science and engineering shows that teaching strategies that motivate and engage students will improve their learning. So how do students best learn science and engineering?…

When you think of someone who is an engineer, do you imagine a man or a woman wearing a hardhat? How about when you imagine a teacher standing in front of a class of schoolchildren? If you answer "a man" to the first question, and "a woman" to the second, there's probably a reason. And the reason is simply that more men than…

Presents results of two studies, conducted 4 years apart, which reveal trends in 4-year engineering technology (ET) programs. Areas considered include administrative features and programs, funding, faculty, student characteristics and recruiting, retention, placement and follow-up. One trend reported is that ET may be drifting toward and perhaps…

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…

Reports results of two surveys which explored current advising and counseling practices in chemical engineering departments. The first consisted of a short questionnaire sent to all chemical engineering department chairpersons in the United States and Canada. The second was a longer questionnaire sent to students and counselors at two schools. (JN)

The quality of doctoral-level chemical engineering (N=79), civil engineering (N=74), electrical engineering (N=91), and mechanical engineering (N=82) programs at United States universities was assessed, using 16 measures. These measures focused on variables related to: (1) program size; (2) characteristics of graduates; (3) reputational factors…

Reports total 1983 graduate and undergraduate engineering enrollment as well as enrollment by curriculum and for women, minorities, and foreign national students. Includes a 10-year summary (Fall 1974-1983) of engineering enrollment. Indicates that graduate enrollment continued a gradual upward trend while freshmen enrollment fell. (JN)

Presents findings from an American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) questionnaire survey which examined the impact of faculty shortages on the quality of engineering education, what faculty are needed to maintain or restore quality to engineering programs, graduate student enrollment, and trends in faculty recruitment and retention. (JN)

This volume includes 10 reports that present findings and recommendations for advancing women in science, mathematics and engineering. Critical issues facing women in these disciplines are addressed, including demographic myths and realities at various educational levels; the educational pipeline for girls and women; involvement in education and…

Lists objectives of a four-week summer program (Females in Engineering, Methods, Motivation, Experience) designed to attract ninth-grade females to science and engineering careers. Also discusses program content and strategies and results of student and parent evaluation of the 1983 program. (JN)

Provides data (obtained from an American Chemical Society survey) on undergraduate studies in chemistry. Lists and discusses chemistry, elective chemistry, and supporting courses (such as writing and physics) considered to be important by professional chemists. Also recommends that undergraduates pursue studies in biochemistry, polymer chemistry,…

A committee was appointed by the American Electronics Association (AEA) to: (1) study the problem of shortage of engineers, especially computer and electrical engineers; (2) determine the degree of shortage; and (3) recommend how AEA could effectively address the problem. The committee's findings are provided in this three-section report. Section…

Presents results of the 1985 National Engineering Student Employer Preference Survey, comparing them to results of l983 and l98l surveys. Includes the top 25 employer choices (overall and by discipline), reasons for employer preferences, demographic variations, how employer images are formed, and other areas. (JN)

Reports results of a nationwide survey on undergraduate mechanics education. These results are compared with previous surveys to document trends in mechanics education. Areas addressed include degrees granted, courses required, teaching responsibility, quality of teachers and students, subject matter taught, evaluation methods, and teaching…

Presents and discusses data on engineering technology enrollments for all students (by curriculum and level), for women and minority groups, and for all programs (broken down by state and type of degree). Data comparing 1982 to previous years are also included. (BC)