The article discusses the challenges and the potential approaches of competence-based programmes for higher education institutions, starting at their inception in the Bologna process. It focuses particularly on curriculum transformation and implementation of action-orientated learning concepts. Consequently, the article takes stock of recent…

It is known that assessment drives learning and hence a good assessment design is key to effective student development. This paper gives some case studies in effective assessment strategies within engineering. The main contribution is to demonstrate how one can simultaneously meet a number of requirements with individual assessments and therefore…

This paper describes the experience of an introductory discipline to the engineering curricula at the Brazilian Federal University of ABC (UFABC). The university offers a common basic curriculum that must be accomplished by every student and can be followed by professionalising courses. The discipline "Introduction to Engineering"…

Nanotechnology is having an increasing impact on university curricula in electrical engineering and in physics. Major influencers affecting developments in university programmes related to nanoelectronics are discussed and a model for university programme development is described. The model takes into account that nanotechnology affects not only…

The role of engineering in promoting global well-being has become accentuated, turning the engineering curriculum into a means of dividing well-being equally. The gradual fortifying calls for humanitarian engineering have resulted in the incorporation of social responsibility themes in the university curriculum. Cooperation, communication,…

An essential difficulty in solving practical problems that are not like the ones a student has solved before is discerning the core of the problem. It is claimed that discernment has to be trained by variation--by varying the context of the assignments in which students have to identify and grasp their "underlying form". A decisive…

Analyzes the development of engineering programs in Portugal based on the experience acquired at the Instituto Superior Tecnico (IST), the largest Portuguese engineering school. Describes the methodologies developed to monitor admissions and presents the analysis in terms of absolute and relative criteria based on course demand. (DDR)

Describes the general education process of the Netherlands and the system of higher education in engineering. Discusses possibilities for postgraduate students and some differences from other European educational systems. (YP)

Described is an analysis of factors which relate to the establishment of staff development methods and the effect of these factors on staff development policy. A number of ways in which a department of engineering can formalize staff development programs are illustrated. (CW)

Described are the objectives, structure, and methods for the course. Differences in training for the technology teacher and the engineer are discussed. Student evaluation of the course is provided. (CW)

Swiss engineering education is detailed and the roles of public enterprise, society, industry, and the engineering profession are illustrated. Educational issues are discussed in an international context. (CW)

Describes an example of the main steps in restructuring a curriculum and thinking developed by a systems approach. Provides several diagrams illustrating the curriculum structure. (Author/YP)

Explains that European engineering students are not well prepared to integrate socio-economic and environmental issues efficiently into their future professional activities. Argues that necessary changes include a more interdisciplinary and systems-oriented approach to problems and better training in communication skills. Provides an example of an…

Reports the development and implementation of a multi-disciplinary course on sustainable development within engineering education. Students from different disciplines cooperate with each other in a project that aims to find more sustainable solutions for an environmental issue or problem. (DDR)

Described is a professional development program at Heriot-Watt University in Scotland. Discussed are the teaching of the relationship of civil engineering to society and ethics, issues about the style of this type of course, and summative evaluation. Recommendations are provided. (CW)