Discusses mathematics education in colleges of technology in Japan. Proposes new approaches based on the introduction of several specific engineering themes in the program, which are revisited at later stages of the educational program. Discusses factors motivating the search for a new approach to mathematics education, as well as its advantages…

Provides examples of cooperation among Russian aerospace companies as well as international cooperation in the education of aerospace engineers. (SK)

Describes the introduction and evaluation of the effectiveness of a single group project given at a new university, and 10 individual tasks at an ancient university, to devise appropriate and relevant assessments for first-year service mathematics courses for science and engineering. Studies the effects of these tasks on attitudes toward…

Reports the results of a pilot study in a senior paper science and engineering class of an innovative instructional method designed to foster student problem solving and in-depth learning of material, namely student peer teaching. Reviews literature focusing on active learning methods and describes the method for student peer teaching. (Author/SAH)

Discusses successes and failures in project-organized education during the last 10 years in the Electronics Department at the Engineering College of Copenhagen. Describes elements of successful problem solving and practical experiences and problems in project organization. (JRH)

Describes how an introductory course in database management is enriched using the Internet and how students encounter problems with sociotechnical systems. Concludes with observations concerning conditions that must be in place for Internet-augmented systems. (DDR)

Cornell University's College of Engineering TA Development Program trains experienced engineering graduate students, called TA Fellows, to deliver instruction in teaching to new teaching assistants (TAs). Two TA Fellows act as co-facilitators at all times, in all workshops. The instruction is grounded in engineering case study and delivered using…

Argues that the changes in the context of engineering requires new approaches within the curriculum and by promoting active learning and encouraging students to experiment and be more creative. eLearning is one of an important number of strategies for achieving the paradigm shift that is required. (Contains 14 references.) (Author/YDS)

Surveys graduate and undergraduate mechanical engineering students at the University of Auckland. Shows that the dominant work activities of New Zealand mechanical engineers include design and consultancy and that graduate engineers rapidly migrate into management. (Author/CCM)

Demonstrates the job-analysis technique for evaluating and updating syllabi. Examines the correspondence between the training syllabus for the Bachelor of Technology in Engineering and practical engineers in the area of biotechnology. (Author/CCM)

Describes an investigation of first-year chemical engineering students' understanding of the mole concept. Finds that a series of activities designed to provide students with visual or experiential points of reference for the mole concept had a strong positive effect on student misconceptions. Contains 16 references. (Author/WRM)

Describes a discipline-specific communication course for engineering students offered by a Canadian university. Suggests that a pedagogical approach based on North American theories of genre and theories of situated learning can be used to design communication courses tailored to the needs of any discipline under certain conditions. Lists three…

Gives a theoretical rationale for a portfolio evaluation project and describes a directly applicable structure and procedure for such a project. Discusses how the task of assessing the efficacy of technical communication service courses provides an opportunity to learn more about student and faculty needs and to update and improve curriculum. (SC)

Examines the physical health risks attributed to poor furniture and equipment ergonomics and looks at ways to help assure that furniture and equipment purchases and practices are ergonomically sound. Cautions to be wary wary of marketing hype that a company's furniture is ergonomically set, and acquire adjustable furniture and encourage students…

Mechanical engineering and business student teams developed new products using a corporate sponsor's technology in a simulated business setting. Students learned about product development and venture start-up, and the sponsor gained new applications for its patented technology. (SK)