The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine student use of a prototype networked collaborative design environment to support or augment learning about engineering design. The theoretical framework is based primarily on Vygotsky's social construction of knowledge and the belief that collaboration and communication are critical components…

This report addresses an opportunity to accelerate progress in virtually every branch of science and engineering concurrently, while also boosting the American economy as business firms also learn to exploit these new capabilities. The successful rapid advancement in both science and technology creates its own challenges, four of which are…

The main objectives of this study were: to examine the problems faced by immigrant students (N=294) from the former Soviet Union studying for the practical engineering diploma; to examine their attitudes towards various aspects of training in the college, and to make recommendations that facilitate the absorption process of the immigrant students.…

The substantial gender gap in the science and engineering professions becomes even greater from the perspective of women in underrepresented minority groups. This document analyzes data on university enrollment and graduation by both gender and ethnicity compiled by the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME). Findings…

The structure of education for 16- to 18-year-olds in Great Britain discourages them from making mathematics, science, and engineering serious options for future study. The emerging structure of the labor market, in which a large proportion of high-status jobs do not require higher mathematics, increases the numbers who decide not to commit…

Although a number of studies have focused on the identification of factors impacting upon minority student persistence at four-year colleges and universities, few have studied the specific factors that affect minority persistence in science, engineering, and mathematics departments at predominantly minority-serving institutions. The main…

During the past decade, several European countries invested heavily in research and development (R&D), including building world-class laboratories and other facilities and expanding higher education in science and engineering. This document summarizes the report, Human Resources for Science and Technology: The European Region, that presents…

Continuing progress in science and engineering is essential to meeting the Nation's goals of improved international competitiveness and enhanced economic and social well-being for all citizens. The full utilization of human resources is a vital factor in the realization of this objective. Participation in science and engineering in the United…

Universities and colleges are a critical component of the nation's research system. The availability and condition of research facilities at these institutions influence the ability of scientists and engineers to conduct research and train the future science and engineering work force. To insure that information regarding these institutions is…

The National Science Foundation (NSF) workshop on Optical Science and Engineering was organized to examine approaches NSF could use to identify opportunities in optical science, engineering, and education that meet both the mission of NSF and its broader national goals. The workshop participants identified opportunities where optical science and…

Four papers from a project concerning information-processing characterizations of the knowledge and processes involved in design are presented. The project collected and analyzed verbal protocols from instructional designers, architects, and mechanical engineers. A framework was developed for characterizing the problem spaces of design that…

This document consists of a teacher's guide for a competency-based course on homestead and gardening skills designed for North Carolina's 11th- and 12th-grade students, and a list of competency test items applicable to the course. The teacher's guide contains course specifications, a list of competency statements, a sheet describing each unit of…

Choosing a career can be a time consuming and difficult task. This book is intended to serve as a reference for today's youths as they make decisions on their career goals and college education. The book contains descriptions of the various scientific and engineering fields and their associated requirements, guidance in college curriculum, and…

Presents three viewpoints on the Keller Plan or Personalized System of Instruction (PSI), given by an associate dean, a department chairman, and a professor. Concentrates on PSI engineering courses, but includes many general comments. (MLH)