This instructional module examines a key function of science and technology: problem solving. It studies the meaning of problem solving, looks at techniques for problem solving, examines case studies that exemplify the problem-solving approach, presents problems for the reader to solve, and provides a student self-quiz. (Author/CT)

This article explores the potential benefits that a new breed of nurse, the nurse engineer, can bring to the problem of clarifying the interrelationships among the three major foundation stones of nursing: theory, practice, and research. Potential roles of the nurse engineer are examined. (CT)

Describes a study in which computer problem-solving tutorial routines, written according to the Polya strategy, are utilized to teach an engineering statics course. Although their use by students was well received, they were recommended as a supplement to the course rather than as a replacement for the instructor. (MBR)

This document presents the Strategic Plan Revision of the Southeastern University and College Coalition for Engineering Education (SUCCEED). SUCCEED aims to institute a sustainable version of its curriculum model on each of the selected campuses. The areas of expertise in the program include faculty development, outcomes assessment,…

This document presents the Strategic Plan Revision of the Southeastern University and College Coalition for Engineering Education (SUCCEED). SUCCEED aims to institute a sustainable version of its curriculum model on each of the selected campuses. The areas of expertise in the program include faculty development, outcomes assessment,…

The author asserts that most of the failures associated with technological progress are due to poor systems engineering, not to poor device engineering. (Editor)

Data indicate that relatively advanced science-oriented college students can experience serious difficulties in symbolizing certain meaningful relationships with algebraic equations. Reversal errors in formulating equations were seen to stem from two main sources: (1) a syntactic word order matching process and (2) a semantic static comparison…

Recent studies on how students solve problems are summarized and suggestions are made of how engineering teachers can apply this information. (BB)

Describes the Engineering Link Project for Year 11 students that might have an interest in engineering. It is a three-day course organized by teachers and conducted by engineers to give students the opportunity to test materials, design, construct, and try their own solutions to an engineering problem. (AIM)

Described is a senior project course that is intended to prepare graduates for solving problems in a real engineering environment. Students in electronics engineering technology may choose between an independent study option and a structured course in which they design and implement a project in a specified field. The scheduling, evaluation, and…

The drawn ideas of inventors Edison and Bell are analyzed in a systematic way to help understand the inventive process and how inventors think. By storing sketches on a computer the researchers have been able to recreate the probable lines of reasoning used by the inventors. (KR)

Students' needs and research on learning should inform teaching practices. Makes suggestions for improving instruction such as using students as ombudspersons to provide feedback on class concerns, focusing on process skills, and incorporating problem-based learning into the curriculum. Also includes examples of successful programs and summaries…

Describes an investigation of students' problem-solving strategies as seventh-grade students (n=10) attempted to design a solution to a technological problem. Concludes that novice designers use highly iterative rather than linear strategies, develop their ideas using three-dimensional materials rather than two-dimensional sketches, and develop…

The goal of technology education is universal technological literacy. Technology study in middle school must be more than an added science curriculum unit. Three instructional approaches predominate: student projects, technological problem solving (design under constraint), and modular technology education. The National Middle School Association's…