National data has shown that Americans are scoring at lower levels in mathematics and science than their international peer group. Yet, the data does not feature students' voices. This study helps fill that gap by highlighting American engineering students and their international counterparts matriculating at an HBCU (Oliver University). This…

In order to improve student learning in an advanced course in aeronautics, lectures are replaced with more student-centred sessions based on peer learning. The course is organised in student teams, with the main task of delivering lecture requests for full class discussions. For the same reason, the written theory exam is replaced by a peer review…

Problem-based learning (PBL) is an instructional methodology placing primary emphasis on students solving realistic problems in a team-oriented environment. In this article, authors discuss using PBL to integrate a language for specific purposes (LSP) track into an undergraduate biological engineering curriculum as a way to prepare students for an…

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to describe the organization of workplace learning in Finnish polytechnics, the models that have been developed for this purpose, and the challenges presented. Design/methodology/approach: First, the models for embedding workplace learning in the curriculum are described and analysed. Second, the conflicting…

This paper summarizes the findings of a twenty year old pre-engineering program that is aimed at improving both the recruitment and retention of under-represented students pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The Wright Science Technology and Engineering Preparatory Program (STEPP) was initiated in 1988 for…

Volume 1 of this two-volume report contains analyses of key aspects of the scope, quality, and vitality of the Nation's science and engineering enterprise and global science and technology. The report presents information on science, mathematics, and engineering education at all levels; the scientific and engineering workforce; U.S. and…

Concern over the under representation of women and minorities in the natural sciences and engineering led to the research reported in this document. The project surveyed a stratified sample of 1,651 college seniors who registered to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and who were majoring in natural sciences, mathematics, computer…

Service learning refers to a form of experiential education that emphasizes for students the importance of accomplishing tasks that meet the needs of others. This paper describes the Service Learning Projects developed by the University of Iowa's Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) program. The purpose of the program is to design, implement,…

A project was undertaken to develop a strategic plan to implement a multisite electronic engineering technology (EET) program at Pennsylvania's Community College of Allegheny County. Specifically, the project sought to determine how electronic communication technologies could provide a virtual learning community for the program; appropriate plans…

Effective science teaching is a topic of concern to many science educators. Throughout its six chapters, this book provides research findings of the effectiveness of science teachers in the classroom. The heart of effective teaching is the active involvement of students in scientific research projects. Chapter one, "Aims and Unresolved Tensions,"…

A survey was conducted by the Career Placement Services office of the University of Hawaii at Manoa to determine the postgraduate activities of the College of Engineering Class of 1993. Data collected from these graduates (including those who graduated with bachelor's degrees in summer and fall 1992 and spring 1993) by September 30, 1993, related…

To increase women's participation in science and engineering, many barriers must be overcome. This book, an outcome of a conference held by the National Research Council's Committee on Women in Science and Engineering, summarizes presentations of many experts and presents information on specific strategies for increasing the participation of women…

The recommended Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 996) to establish the Congressional Scholarships for Science, Mathematics, and Engineering, and the joint explanatory statement of the committee of conference are presented. The sections to be amended include the following: (1) Mathematics, Science and Technology Improvements; (2) Higher…

The data presented in this report show trends in doctorate production by science and engineering (S&E) field and recipient characteristics, institutions awarding doctorates, and postgraduation plans of recipients. The data comes from the Survey of Earned Doctorates (SED), which is conducted annually. Doctoral degrees such as the Ph.D. or D.Sc. are…

Because undergraduate education is the foundation for graduate studies, it is important to know where our Nation's science and engineering (S&E) doctorate recipients are receiving their undergraduate training. Specifically, this report addresses the following broad questions: (1) What are the undergraduate origins of S&E doctorate holders? (2)…