Research suggests that a significant reason that a large number of students earn low grades in the fundamental engineering science course Statics is that they may be entering the course with incorrect conceptual knowledge of mathematics and physics. The self-explanation learning approach called collective argumentation helps k-12 students to…

This paper investigates the efficacy of an open-inquiry approach to achieve a long term stability of physics instruction. This study represents the natural continuation of a research project started four years ago when a sample of thirty engineering undergraduates, having already attended traditional university physics instruction, were involved…

A great deal of research within science and engineering education revolves around academic success and retention of science and engineering students. It is well known that South Africa is experiencing, for various reasons, an acute shortage of engineers. Therefore, we think it is important to understand the factors that contribute to attrition…

This paper addresses the efficacy of an open-inquiry approach that allows students to build on traditionally received knowledge. A sample of thirty engineering undergraduates, having already attended traditional university physics instruction, was selected for this study. The students were involved in a six-week long learning experience of…

This paper describes a method aimed at pointing out the quality of the mental models undergraduate engineering students deploy when asked to create explanations for phenomena or processes and/or use a given model in the same context. Student responses to a specially designed written questionnaire are quantitatively analyzed using…

This paper describes a teaching method used in an electrical machines course, where the students learn about electrical machines by designing them. The aim of the course is not to teach design, albeit this is a side product, but rather to teach the fundamentals and the function of electrical machines through design. The teaching method is…

In this manuscript, we report the impact of students' usage of a simulator in the preparation of chemical engineers. This case study was conducted using content pretest and posttests, survey questionnaires, interviews, classroom observations, and an analysis of students' written response to design problems. Results showed the use of simulator was…

There is emphasis in the educational policy of Ghana for the promotion of Distance Education programmes to widen access to education at all levels and facilitate human resource development. This study examined the level of access and challenges faced by learners in science oriented programmes offered by distance in the Kwame Nkrumah University of…

Presents the questionnaire sent to American Society for Engineering Education members concerning graduate study and research. Also lists the names of engineering and technical colleges replying to the questionnaire. (CK)

The following paper presents a computer-based learning strategy to assist in introducing and teaching water quality modelling to undergraduate civil engineering students. As part of the learning strategy, an interactive computer-based instructional (CBI) aid was specifically developed to assist students to set up, run and analyse the output from a…

Presented are questionnaire data for 1978-79 reported by 210 engineering and technical colleges and affiliate members of the American Society for Engineering Education. Questions were asked regarding engineering study and engineering research, such as graduate degree requirements, research areas of accepted doctoral theses, and personnel engaged…

The Charleston Higher Education Consortium (CHEC), which includes all postsecondary institutions in the tri-county area of Charleston, suggested that a need existed for improving the local capacity of educational providers (particularly colleges and universities) and industries by conducting reliable assessments of the continuing education needs…

This study is based on two surveys, one mailed to over 23,000 Washington, D.C. area engineers comprising the area membership of eight engineering professional societies and another sent to several thousand area organizations considered likely to employ engineers. In addition to assessing specific needs for various kinds of engineering education,…