This study examined the impact of an after-school science program that incorporated cooperative learning, hands-on activities, mentoring, and role models on a group of minority female students' attitudes toward science, engineering, and mathematics. Eighteen African American middle school students participated in the study. Seven female engineers…

This paper presents an experience with the development of multimedia systems for power systems education. An application of a multimedia course titled "Electrical Energy Generation" is also described. The main conclusions of this experience are discussed, emphasizing the most relevant aspects to be considered in the development of…

This paper presents the results of a study undertaken in Portugal to determine the influence of different factors on students' (n=499) decisions to study or refuse to study in one of the physical sciences or engineering. Some influencing factors are related to what goes on in school and during science lessons, and other factors are related to the…

This report, covering 1,677 faculty in the field of physical science, general, is part of an annual national survey of faculty salaries. The survey consists of two parts: one covering public and one covering private four-year colleges and universities. Data for the baseline year 1995-96 and the 1998-99 trend year were collected for full-time…

This study examined curricular reform processes at two Swedish institutes of technology through a gender perspective, relating them to two social theories the reproduction theory of Bourdieu and Passeron and the gender contract theory of Yvonne Hirdman. The aim of the reform process was to make educational programs in computer engineering more…

This paper describes a hypermedia system that can be used to teach electrical engineering at the university level. The system has a decision-making and data-handling capacity which serves to guide both teacher and student as to the degree of students' acquisition of learning objectives. The main advantages of the system are: (1) guidance in the…

The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has approached the problem of the amount and flexibility of college entrance requirements from the point of view of both the college and the high school, particularly urging upon the college that low and uncertain entrance requirements constitute one of the chief causes of college…

Reviews recent research on problem solving, summarizing differences between problem-solving styles of novices and experts. Also describes a text by Daniel Solow ("How to Read and Do Proofs"). Includes chapter titles for the text useful for students who wish to improve their understanding of mathematical reasoning. (JM)

An international project for improvement of an Indonesian university's chemical engineering curriculum and later extended to other institutions and departments, included these changes: greater emphasis on discussion and problem-solving techniques, use of learning modules, introduction of criterion-referenced grading, and extended and improved…

Proposed federal legislation is aimed at improving pre-college science and mathematics instruction, discovering factors important in shaping perceptions of science/mathematics in pre-school children (particularly television), and federal/university financial support for new science/engineering faculty members, and allowing government labs to…

Examines the relationship between instructional satisfaction and satisfaction with university goals among students from medicine, social sciences, and engineering. Findings indicated that: (1) medical students are most satisfied while engineering students are less satisfied, and (2) a positive relationship exists between instructional satisfaction…

Describes the history of, and research activities and current problems at Tsukuba Science City, Japan's new municipal complex of research laboratories and educational facilities. About 30 percent of Japan's government research laboratories, as well as Tsukuba University, are located in the complex. (JN)

Examines whether or not university-based research can produce and support personnel needed to maintain technological leadership. Suggests that industry become more involved by increasing the number of research positions available for graduates and describes one program involving university-industry cooperation. (Author/SK)

Describes a program of French for engineering students that makes extensive use of audiovisual laboratory equipment and cultural materials. (AM)

A study compared student use of and satisfaction with the central advising office and departmental advising in a college of engineering by surveying 57 central office walk-in advisees and, by mail, 103 other advisees. No significant differences were found in advisor availability and concern, but more students used departmental faculty advisors.…