This project was designed to develop a curricular and pedagogical model for teaching multidisciplinary engineering design to senior-level undergraduate students at the Colorado School of Mines. The two-semester course sequence involved students from seven engineering disciplines working in multidisciplinary teams under the direction of…

A study of the English language needs and attitudes of students and faculty in Kuwait University's College of Petroleum and Engineering is reported. The objective was to create a basis for assessing the relevance of the institution's current English second language program. Data were gathered through: (1) interviews with faculty, teaching…

Based on the theme of the past, present, and future of science, technology, and communication programs, this proceedings presents 49 papers delivered at the 1999 annual meeting of the Council for Programs in Technical and Scientific Communication (CPTSC). Papers in the proceedings are divided into 12 subsections: The Shape of Programs: Past,…

This study examined how support tools (i.e., prompts that support students to use self-explanation and self-monitoring strategies) facilitate convergent knowledge building processes in a World Wide Web-based virtual university engineering course. A quasi-experimental study was designed. An engineering class of a virtual university was selected as…

Presents highlights of Chemical and Engineering News survey of the employment picture for chemical professionals. Focuses on the question of needing a Ph.D.; employment opportunities; salaries; and career planning, including the names and addresses of many employers of chemists and chemical engineers. (SK)

Reports results of a survey of 149 undergraduates (persisters - 73 White, 9 Black) and former undergraduates (nonpersisters - 35 White, 32 Black) indicating how their perceptions of their college environment affected the decision to remain at or leave the Speed Scientific School, University of Louisville. (SK)

Describes a pilot project in Philadelphia which introduced seventh- and eighth-grade minority students to computers as a means of building their self-confidence and encouraging them to pursue careers in engineering and computer science. Includes partial course outline, evaluation methods, and tips for success. (DC)

An engineering professor tells of his experience in acquiring a leave of absence to work in industry for one year. He describes the projects with which he was involved, the salient features of the arrangement, the working conditions, and the positive results of the program. (SA)

Describes a project at the University of Michigan in which Information and Library Studies (ILS) students served as mentors to first-year students in an introductory engineering course. Engineering librarians served as lecturers to the engineering students and as back-up for the ILS students. Analysis of student projects and evaluations by…

Classroom communication system (CCS) technology makes it easier to give students immediate feedback on concept tests and to manage peer and class discussions in large classes. This study compared the effects of two different CCS discussion sequences on students' experiences of learning engineering. The results demonstrated that the type of…

Examines Black underrepresentation in American science and engineering and barriers to Black participation. Describes programs sponsored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, including Linkages and the Black Churches Project, encouraging science and mathematics programing for Black and other minority students. Reaffirms Black…

A study of the effects of an academic support program for educationally disadvantaged, mostly Black engineering students found the interventions were effective in improving academic achievement, particularly when used early in the college experience. Implications for admissions, identification of potentially high-risk students, and intervention…

Discussion of instructor's methods compared with those intended by the instructional designer focuses on a study of undergraduate engineering students that was designed to investigate whether instructor delivery of the program as recommended regarding homework would yield higher student achievement. Treatments for the experimental and control…

Summarizes a workshop at the 1988 AAAS Annual Meeting to examine ethics and values education and research. Issues a series of conclusions and recommendations for expanding and improving work in the field. Notes a need to increase preservice and inservice training in ethics and values studies for science teachers. (MVL)

Discusses a two-year masters program; one year of lecture and practical training, and a second year on a supervised design task in an industry or development laboratory. Reviews the emphases of the curriculum. Describes the two paths to engineering careers in the Netherlands. (MVL)