The push for STEM has raised the visibility of engineering as a discipline that all students should learn. With the release of the "Framework for K-12 Science Education" and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), engineering now has an official place in the science curriculum. In both the "Framework" and the NGSS,…

The author notes that the sciences are now something one must latch onto early and successfully as a teenager, and endure against all odds. This pivotal point requires maturity and even myopia--delayed gratification and voluntary dorkiness--traits not common in the young. As a nation, Americans are losing their hegemony in the sciences. In just…

The author of this article argues that, just as Americans were shocked into action, when the Soviet Union launched Sputnik in 1957, by strengthening STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) in the educational curriculum, Americans must be shocked again. The nation must address the failure of its leaders to provide adequate funding…

Are textbooks useful, or are they an unnecessary expense or even an obstacle to robust conceptual understanding? Clearly, the answer depends upon course context--what are the goals of the course, how could the textbook be used to achieve these goals, does this use justify the cost of the textbook, and are there more educationally effective or…

Reports on a survey of the undergraduate programs of 50 engineering schools which was designed to investigate the engineering curriculum with regard to core courses in statics and dynamics. Indicates that only about one-third of the schools require these courses. Argues for their return to the programs. (TW)

Describes four principles to help engineering faculty facilitate high rates of learning: (1) Objective Based Instruction; (2) Absolute Criterion-Referenced Grading Standard; (3) Varied Learning Strategies; and (4) Flexible Time Frames. Illustrates several teaching/learning systems that facilitate the effective applications of these principles. (SK)

Contains ten basic teaching principles formulated from the author's past experiences. Each of the principles is illustrated by relevant observations in order to increase understanding and aid application. The author states that use of these principles will increase teaching success. (SMB)

Investigates whether replacing a single traditional laboratory activity with a widely-used, non-microcomputer-based laboratory, research-based activity could produce improved conceptual understanding of a topic in electricity. Shows that a single instructional experience utilizing the research-based tutorial materials is superior to a traditional…

Addresses concerns related to the significance of values in teaching engineering design. Provides perspectives on the nature of values, values and engineering, and the teacher's role in values education. Includes listings and categories of values. (ML)

Addresses the development of innovative skills in future engineers and the factors that promote and inhibit change. Describes two theoretical perspectives which deal with some of the factors affecting individuals and groups when confronted with the possibility of radical change. (TW)

Provides a summary of essential characteristics of the Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) and Programmed Logic for Automated Teaching Operations (PLATO) educational computer system. Considers future of the computer based education which effectively combines PSI with computer assisted instruction. Discusses current status and future use of…

The field of ethics and values studies in science and technology has experienced an expansion since the 1970s including increased numbers of organizations, publications, research studies, workshops, and conferences. As a consequence, scholarly and public attention focus more frequently on ethics and values issues. In an effort to pause and reflect…

Discusses how engineers will be educated in the twenty-first century, including workstation, teaching methods, teaching materials, and the college system. Describes some of the obstacles, such as small numbers of applicants, aging professors, poor preparation at high school level, and costs. (YP)

Proposes that there is a universal method for all realms of knowledge. Reviews Descartes's definition of the universal method, the engineering definition, and the philosophical basis for the universal method. Contends that the engineering method best represents the universal method. (ML)

Summarizes key differences between academic and industrial settings and offers illustrations of what modern instructional craft has accomplished in industry. Describes a typical developmental sequence related to criterion-referenced instruction, including techniques for instructional analysis, design, development, and implementation. Includes…