The question addressed here is how to integrate computational tools, namely interactive general-purpose platforms, in the teaching of process units. Mathematica has been selected as a complementary tool to teach distillation processes, with the main objective of leading students to achieve a better understanding of the physical phenomena involved…

It is felt that an important source of information in engineering education is ofte n overlooked - the differential impact of the learning process on each student. Currently, the only measure of this sort is the final grade. This research involved (1) developing techniques for assessing various aspects of a student's class performance, and (2)…

This introductory activity explores the advantages of different roof shapes for different climates or situations. It addresses questions such as "When you walk or drive around your neighborhood, what do the roofs look like?" and "What if you lived in an area with a different climate, how would that affect the style of roof that you might find?"…

This study investigated whether it was more beneficial to provide the learners in computer-based learning environments access to on demand (self-regulated) help after they committed an error in problem solving or for the learning environment to externally regulate the presentation of instructional help. Furthermore, two different resentational…

Points to need for engineers with broader educational backgrounds who can join other professionals to deal with modern social and environmental problems. Adapted from address delivered to Engineering College Administrative and Research Councils at 77th Annual ASEE Conference, June 24, 1969. (WM)

Describes a highly user-oriented conversational linear programing package for simulated laboratory experiences. The system allows easy problem entry, solution and changes, accepting free form statements of the problem and a few key words to describe each kind of input. (Author/TS)

Describes how guided design is applied to a freshman engineering course so that professional and social concerns are integrated into a problem-solving approach. (PR)

Describes a course at the University of Alabama for non-engineers. The course emphasizes interrelationships and differences between engineering and science and the role of engineering in solving society's problems from ancient times to the present day. (Author/TS)

Defends the role of humanities instruction in the education of engineering undergraduates in the areas of problem solving, risk taking, and the synthesis of metaphors and symbols. (AEA)

Describes a method of teaching problem-solving to engineering undergraduates at Coventry (Lancaster) Polytechnic. The teaching model, which consists of a series of component activities, employs a methodological approach to problem-solving in the area of engineering design. Applications of the model to other forms of problem-solving are briefly…

Describes a course module designed to instruct beginning engineering students at the University of New Mexico in problem-solving methodology as suggested by Polya (understand, plan, carry out, look back). (SK)

Described is the use of an interactive terminal-oriented computing system that has access to files of thermodynamics data. (Author/SA)

Responds to the suggestion that computational tools be used in undergraduate thermodynamics courses. Argues that instead of using spreadsheets or specially prepared programs, students can quickly develop their own worksheets and solve problems using an equation-solving software program such as MATHCAD. Emphasis is on understanding the fundamentals…