Explores the influence of attributional style on women's persistence in engineering majors after controlling for academic ability. Female students (n=255) previously or currently enrolled in an engineering program completed measures assessing their attributions for science, mathematics, and engineering academic events, and thoughts of changing…

Discusses the applicability of the definition, principles, and underlying strategies of total quality management (TQM) for engineering education. Describes several tools and methods for the implementation of TQM and its suitability for a variety of school activities. Presents a TQM course outline combining lectures, discussions, suggested…

Discusses methods for analyzing case studies of failures of technological systems. Describes two distance learning courses that compare standard models of failure and success with the actuality of given scenarios. Provides teaching and learning materials and information sources for application to aspects of design, manufacture, inspection, use,…

Examines the current status of existing curricula, accreditation requirements, and new developments in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering education in the United States. Discusses the emerging needs of the maritime industry in light of advances in information technology and movement toward risk-based, reliability-centered rule making in the…

Reports on a study that sought to identify problem areas for students who were unmotivated to finish their engineering degree programs. Identifies intervention strategies being developed as a result of the study. (Contains 14 references.) (Author/WRM)

Describes the application of evaluation methods to a graphic mechanics course offered to two public high school classes in Brazil through the Web-based distance education program "Programa Educ@r." Discusses the need for ongoing evaluation to control quality, and presents the results of the evaluation. (PEN)

Describes pedagogical and profession-oriented motivations as well as science and society-related aspects of project orientation and project-organized curricula in higher education. Argues that staff and faculties will need to establish a continuous process of organizational development in order to overcome obvious problems and constraints of the…

The development of assessment criteria for undergraduate project work in engineering design is perceived as a difficult task. Describes an innovative course that has been developed at the undergraduate level. (DDR)

Students have problems successfully arranging an electric circuit to make the bulb produce light. Investigates the percentage of students able to complete a circuit with a given apparatus, and the effects of prior experience on student success. Recommends hands-on activities at the elementary and secondary school levels. (Contains 14 references.)…

Outlines quality assurance schemes for distance-education technologies that are based on the ISO 9000 family of international quality-assurance standards. Argues that engineering faculties can establish such systems on the basis of and integrated with accreditation schemes. Contains 34 references. (DDR)

Presents a portfolio of examples that illustrate how TI-92 technology has been used to support an undergraduate engineering mathematics course by changing it from student-passive to student-active. The instant feedback and variety of possible representations enables a concepts- and applications-driven interactive teaching approach which has led to…

After 30 years of failing to live up to the promises of its proponents, instructional technology has finally started to play an effective role in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education. Asserts that students in courses delivered entirely with technology have begun to outperform students in traditional lecture-based courses, a…

Reports on a study that describes in detail the design processes used by small groups of preservice teacher education students engaged in ill-defined, open-ended, self-selected design technology projects. Provides insight to assist teacher educators in designing courses. (Contains 30 references.) (DDR)

Relates concerns for minority students regarding their reluctance to pursue advanced study. Concerns include financing of study, weaknesses in advisement practices and systems, lack of knowledge about the rewards of doctoral employment, and employment after graduation. Suggests early socialization and expanded funding as correctives. (Author/MM)

Several legislators indicated that the primary goal of the Commission on Advancement of Women and Minorities in Science and Engineering and Technology (CAWMSET) was to identify disincentives that cause attrition among females and minorities in science, engineering, and technology. Discusses why recent diversity legislation in Congress has now come…