About 50 students from six Boston area high schools participated in the summer Massachusetts Pre-College Engineering Program (MassPep) at the Northeastern University campus in Boston. The program is designed to guide talented minority students toward college and technical fields. A description of the program is provided. (JN)

Describes a senior-level course which teaches engineers to design and implement a large software project within a team structure. Management issues, technical issues, project phases, and examples of student projects are included. (JN)

Evaluated the use of computer assisted instruction in teaching Fortran 77 in the College of Engineering at Oregon State University. Also investigated the effect of such factors as mathematics and computer programming background on student performance in an introductory programming course sequence. (JN)

A literature search was conducted to examine the development of computer-based instructional (CBI) materials in higher education and CBI's impact on learning processes. Indicates that although CBI may not replace traditional methods of engineering instruction, it does offer significant advantages. These advantages are discussed. (JN)

Examined the relation of self-efficacy beliefs to persistence and success in pursuing science and engineering college majors (N=42). Findings indicated that subjects reporting high self-efficacy for educational requirements generally achieved higher grades and persisted longer. Self-efficacy was also moderately correlated with objective predictors…

Presents guidelines for reviewing manuscripts submitted for publication. Suggested criteria discussed include: (1) suitability; (2) adequacy; (3) balance; (4) emphasis; and (5) previous work. (DH)

Describes an experiment where equal parts of copper and aluminum are heated then cooled to show extremely large crystals. Suggestions are given for changing the orientation of crystals by varying cooling rates. Students are more receptive to concepts of microstructure after seeing this experiment. (DH)

Examines reasons why bonds between higher education and industry must be strengthened in Ireland, indicating that competitiveness and unemployment in Ireland require it, that research and development (R&D) resources of universities can be the lifeblood for many future developments for manufacturing companies, and that Ireland lags behind other…

Discusses (1) the development of engineering education in Greece; (2) industrial development in Greece; (3) relations between engineering education and industry (indicating that they are best characterized by mutual suspicion); and (4) recent developments and future trends in these relationships. (JN)

Because engineering schools are recognizing the need for graduates to be able to speak and write well, many programs are including communications in various facets of the curriculum. Suggestions for enhancing student communication skills during the senior year are presented. (DH)

First year chemical engineering students are required to take a two-semester sequence in applied mathematics at the University of Pennsylvania, with the option of taking a third semester elective course. The content of the courses and the approaches used are discussed. A list of textbooks used is also provided. (JN)

Discusses factors related to developing successful programs for training faculty in various aspects of college teaching, indicating that some tangible advantage for faculty participating in such programs is needed. Illustrates this by showing how a successful program was related to paying faculty one week's salary for attending the program. (JN)

Microcomputers are used in a technical writing course to enhance instructor and student productivity, improve the quality of student writing performance, and prepare young engineers for future on-the-job communication tasks. Describes the microcomputer facility, software, and activities included in the course. Also provides information on the…

Presents data from the Engineering Manpower Commission's 1983 survey of engineering technology degrees. Results indicate a 12 percent increase in associate degrees and a 9.9 percent increase in bachelor's degrees. Summaries of engineering technology degrees awarded by curriculum and degrees by school and degree level are included. (BC)

West Virginia University was designated by the National Science Foundation (NSF) as the NSF University/Industry Fluidization and Fluid Particle Cooperative Research Center. Background information about the center, its research program (focusing on fundamental problems of reacting systems at elevated temperatures), and future prospects are…