The application of the Study and Research Path (SRP) methodology for learning general chemistry, a fundamental course often found in the first-year curriculum of many technical degrees, is investigated. In recent years, SRPs have emerged as interesting inquiry and project-based teaching formats. In an SRP, the search for an answer to a generating…

The COVID-19 pandemic public health measures caused a shift to fully online teaching and learning with minimal lead time two-thirds of the way through a 13 week term. Students and instructors pivoted from blended with face-to-face instruction to fully online learning over a weekend. Our team- and project-based chemical engineering design courses…

This study took place in a biotechnology laboratory course series that provided students with authentic research experiences. We documented student identities after the experience and explored how these identities related to future career aspirations.

In their collegiate studies, students are given a wide range of concepts, theories, and equations to assist them in their future endeavors. However, students have not been sufficiently exposed to practical critical thinking methodologies that will benefit them as they encounter open-ended problems. A course developed at the University of Michigan…

Engineering design has been suggested as a viable instructional approach for Technology Education (TE) to intentionally provide students the opportunity to apply multidisciplinary concepts to solve ill-defined design challenges (Wells & Ernst, 2012; Sanders & Wells, 2010; Wicklein, 2006). Currently, the context for design challenges in TE…

This paper explores what work readiness means for two cohorts of graduate engineers, one from a traditional curriculum, the second from a largely project-based curriculum. Professional bodies and employers have defined a set of attributes for engineering graduates so that graduates will be "work ready". Problem-based learning (PBL) is…

An independent study course in which students investigate industrially-related topics is described. The outline of the course, from selection of the research topic, progress reports, to evaluation of the students' work is provided. Merits of this experience have been evident for students in later attempts to locate employment. An appendix lists…

Discusses several reasons for requiring senior design projects in electrical engineering technology (EET). Describes the senior design project program in EET at Indiana University-Purdue University at Fort Wayne. Lists points to consider regarding management of a projects program for faculty engaged in or contemplating such an approach. (CS)

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)

Describes a student-directed computer system revival project in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department at California State Polytechnic University, which originated when an obsolete computer was donated to the department. Discusses resulting effects in undergraduate course offerings, in student extracurricular activities, and in…

Describes an ecology-engineering course in which students investigate the environmental impact created by the production and marketing of a consumer product. (CP)