Discusses problems of teaching by PSI (Personalized System of Instruction), including costs, student procrastination, excessive grading, and demands on faculty time. (MLH)

Benefits of using the metric system, especially for showing dimensionally related concepts and constraints, are discussed. (DT)

Early computers, hardware, and software are described. Recent developments in hardware, computer science education, and curriculum are discussed. (DT)

Tabulates and discusses the results of a 1972 and a 1976 survey of chemical engineering departments concerning curriculum requirements of undergraduate engineering majors. (MLH)

Discusses definitions of problem solving, various theories related to teaching problem solving, and how they relate to teaching problem solving to engineering students. (MLH)

Reports on the development of a new CAD/CAM laboratory experience for an Engineering Design Graphics (EDG) course. The EDG curriculum included freehand sketching, introduction to Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD), and emphasized 3-D solid modeling. Reviews the project and reports on the testing of the new laboratory components which were…

Describes a novel approach to laboratory teaching that provides students with a learning environment which allows them to develop advanced experimental skills that are necessary for success in research and development environments. (DKM)

Reports on anecdotal evidence gained from interviews with university engineering lecturers which supports the theory that basic mathematical deficiencies in engineering students originate from the National Curriculum. Argues that the system is failing the students, not that the students are failing the system. A survey also illustrates the lack of…

Describes a university engineering competition in which students use formal engineering, imagination, and intuition to devise a range of exotic devices. Discusses the organization of the competition, benefits to the department and faculty, and some past examples of successful entries. (MKR)

Summarizes the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in professional ethics, describes in detail the distinctive aspects of two University of Illinois ethics courses (Engineering Ethics and Professional Ethics), and discusses the pedagogical value of the collaborative fieldwork assignment in both courses. (EV)

Examines the role of engineers and their responsibilities in society, especially after the events of September 11, 2001. Suggests the need for a renaissance in engineering education and recommends cultivating a new generation of renaissance engineers based on the recognition of individual talent and customizing education accordingly. (Author/YDS)

States that universities and engineering firms do not generally train engineers in business technical writing, although firms benefit from having engineers who can write clear descriptions of their work. Suggests a program to promote writing skills of engineers and engineering students with limited English skills that involves clear, logical lists…

The holistic approach to restructuring engineering technology education at the New Jersey Center for Advanced Technological Education includes partnerships for articulated programs, recruitment and retention of underrepresented groups, involvement of industrial personal, and faculty development in innovative instructional methods. (SK)

The University of Akron's Increasing Diversity in Engineering Academics program seeks to retain minority engineering students by emphasizing competence and diversity and forming collaborative learning communities focused on excellence, not remediation. Features include learning contracts, peer counseling, freshman transition activities, a study…

Reports and interprets the rankings of Rodger Bybee's 12 global-environmental issues/threats by first and second year engineering students (n=175) at the Technical University of Krakow, Poland. Results indicate that personal experience with local environmental issues are the most important determinant for ranking global environmental threats.…