Contemporary learning research and development that is embedded in primary and secondary schooling is increasingly acknowledging the significance of a variation approach for enhancing the possibility of learning. However, the variation approach has so far attracted very little attention in higher education, but where it has, the results have been…

The author is a chemical engineer (doing a research in mass transfer operations at a national laboratory) and an adjunct faculty member. The advantages of being such a faculty member are discussed, indicating that this is an effective mechanism for maintaining technical as well as educational skills. (JN)

Addresses pros and cons of the current accreditation system in chemical engineering. Includes a review of the organizational structure of the accreditation process, accreditation criteria, and the author's opinions on the process. (JN)

Describes the current status of engineering with special emphasis on chemical engineering. Highlights the computing environment, the impact of computers on chemical engineering education, and communication and productivity tools. Discusses the effect of computers on the teaching and learning of engineering, highlights from the past, and…

Discusses five common misconceptions that graduate students may have about their future graduate school experiences. Two of these misconceptions are that graduate school would be a continuation of undergraduate experiences and that the study of chemical engineering has nothing to do with human values, ethics, and morals. (JN)

Describes the importance of cooperative education, summer internships, or part-time undergraduate research, for students with lack of ability to visualize the process of thinking like an engineer and understanding the role of engineering in society although they have math and intuitive skills. Discusses the role of cooperative education in student…

Describes benefits and sacrifices of an accreditation program to a department. Discusses some negative effects of accreditation on chemical engineering curricula and what might be done to make improvements. (YP)

Describes what young professors can do considering student motivation, learning styles, and instructional effectiveness to improve student learning. Lists recommendations from experts on how to improve student learning. Includes 25 references. (Author/YDS)

Presents a critique of existing methodology used in curriculum updates in academic institutions, suggesting that an integrated approach is more realistic and meaningful to study and to bridging the gap between academic curriculum and industry's needs. Specifically recommends that curriculum-related and job-related data be analyzed simultaneously.…

Describes a method of organizing and handling senior undergraduate thesis projects. Discusses the benefits and disadvantages of conducting them. (YP)

Speculates about the future responsiveness of chemical engineering curricula to changes in the chemical industry. Focuses on changes in the chemical industry, the status of academia, and possible curricular changes. (DDR)

Presents examples of how universities will undergo technological change during the next 10-20 years and how that will affect faculty and student processes. New students will expect the ubiquitous availability of information technology in higher education. To maintain their core values, universities must adapt to the explosion in technological…

Cites the shortcomings of the traditional educational experiences of chemists. Focuses on their training in engineering and concludes that training is lacking in the areas of mass balances in flow processes, heat balances, reactors, separation processes, and scaleup. (DDR)

Described is the need to incorporate the concepts and applications of advanced composite materials into existing chemical engineering programs. Discussed are the justification for, and implementation of topics including transport phenomena, kinetics and reactor design, unit operations, and product and process design. (CW)

This paper discusses the importance of energy and its association with the modern economy. Presently, 40% of Europe's electricity needs are based on coal. Preparing a clean energy technology requires improvements in conventional steam cycle technology. Education plays an important role in energy use, and universities need to organize education…