Investigation of the study habits and approaches to study tasks of 34 mechanical engineering students over the course of 1 week found that use of a surface approach to learning was positively correlated with high class attendance and greater study time, suggesting an inefficient approach. The research methodology used is found useful for…

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Massachusetts) sends over 200 science and engineering students abroad each year to fulfill graduation requirements. Most go abroad for only two months, and the projects they work on, which are not necessarily related to their majors, are often for local businesses, government agencies, or other organizations.…

Investigated the effects of cooperative learning strategies on 274 engineering employees in a training class on communicating technical procedures in plant operations. Results indicated that the cooperative learning had a positive effect on performance and group behaviors. (AEF)

States that scientific journal article introductions usually open with standard moves that introduce the community to new findings in specific literature. Presents a study in which 4 articles on chaos theory were analyzed--then 12 scientists were asked to think aloud while reading them. Emphasizes that scientific readers reacted differently.…

Explains that analysis of leading ideas in 20th century engineering writing textbooks and other primary sources demonstrates that disciplinary discourse conventions develop from an intricate nexus of human motivations, beliefs, and social activity. Explores currents in American social and intellectual history that explain this complex view of…

Described is a study that determined the long-term evolution of engineers' needs. Four essential tendencies which can be considered basic postulates for consideration and action are included. Recommendations based on the four postulates are presented. (KR)

Discussed is the decline of popularity of engineering studies in the United Kingdom, with consequent difficulties in the recruitment of a sufficient number of people into the profession. Possible solutions to the problem are presented, as well as, implications for future funding. (KR)

Utilizes economic predictions of the Department of Labor, as well as noteworthy political and technical trends, to describe which combinations of engineering and science degree programs might turn out to be particularly useful in meeting technological demands during the decade of the 1990s. (JJK)

Looking at the "total educational, cultural and professional environment" of Japan's engineers, the authors note that the Japanese approach education as a lifelong process. Engineering education in Japan is described as an integration of preuniversity preparation, university education, and postgraduate continuation of education in…

The results of survey that found out how many of 269 engineering schools deliver accredited programs via television are discussed. Information about the technologies employed, the use of tutors in conjunction with videotaped courses, and logistics of exam monitoring and exam security is provided. A list of colleges offering televised engineering…

Interviews with trainers in 23 engineering firms confirmed the relationship between innovative training and ability to cope with skills shortages. Strategies identified were (1) evangelical, involving active outreach, direct relevance, and incentive; and (2) pastoral, characterized by education, support, and facilitation. (SK)

Analysis of Strong Interest Inventory Scores from 205 Mexican and 342 U.S. male engineering students/professionals had the following results: (1) interest structure was similar across cultures; (2) Holland's calculus assumption was supported; and (3) a circular rather than an equilateral hexagonal structure was supported. (SK)

Describes a university's format and development of an international engineering program that includes a six-month engineering internship in a German-speaking country. (Author/CB)

Notes environmental factors affecting adult learning situations: territoriality, seating arrangements, sightlines, and equipment. A checklist for conducting a space audit includes features inside and outside the classroom. (SK)

A methodical approach to teaching that can be used with almost any class style and with any instructional media is described. Planning courses, designing a syllabus, teaching strategies, the use of office hours, test construction, and personal interaction with students are discussed. (KR)