A study of technology students' understanding and learning in mechanics is reported, which was carried out at the Swedish Chalmers University of Technology, in the School of Mechanical Engineering. Data were collected on one group of students' progress through the required courses, and include regular examinations, interviews, a learning session,…

This brief guide on how to study efficiently was designed for minority engineering students and provides eight techniques to improve study habits and enhance learning and retention. The first seven suggestions are each accompanied by a methodology and an explanation of the purpose of the technique; the eighth pertains to the overall concept of…

Electrical engineering students at the University of Essex have been following as an integral part of their degree program, a credit course at the Open University. The effects of introducing a multimedia independent learning package into a conventional university are examined, the evaluation method is discussed, and differences in student…

A study of 54 first-year engineering students at an Australian university investigated their critical thinking skills as related to 3 kinds of study strategy: surface strategy; deep strategy; and achieving strategy. Results indicated a negative correlation between critical thinking ability and the achieving study strategy. Implications for…

Randomly assigned first-year chemical engineering students to a treatment group using R.E.S.U.L.T.S. [copyright] study skills software and a comparison group. Examined pre-university and first-term academic performance, student goals, use of time, self assessments, and feedback. Although improvements in post-treatment performance were observed,…

Explains the context in which courses aimed at improving problem-solving skills are implemented. Describes the structure and content of courses and evaluates activities designed to develop problem-solving skills, including a discussion of factors affecting students in their ability to perform. (JM)

A study investigated study habits of 154 educationally disadvantaged engineering students enrolled in developmental studies programs in 3 South African universities. Aspects examined include entry skills, study patterns throughout the first year, and characteristics of students whose study habits changed over time. Implications for admission and…

Two studies in Scotland used similar questionnaires to examine relationships between approaches to studying and students' preferences for different types of learning environments. The first study also examined the relationship with students' evaluations of their courses, while the second included reasons for choosing that course (educational…

This study explored how motivational and achievement factors interact and affect persistence in minority undergraduate engineering students. Study participants were 38 entering Mexican and African American college students in an engineering program at a large, southwestern university in the Fall of 1990. Each student was assigned to a peer…

Ways in which institutions can attract and aid re-entry women students by offering courses, workshops and support personnel to help them refresh, upgrade, and update basic academic skills are suggested. A wide range of possible actions is included so that institutions can pursue those most appropriate to their individual circumstances. Reasons why…

A collection of essays address a variety of issues in listening in the academic context, particularly in a foreign or second language. Articles include: "Research of Relevance to Second Language Lecture Comprehension--An Overview" (John Flowerdew); "Expectation-Driven Understanding in Information Systems Lecture Comprehension" (Steve Tauroza,…