Discusses factors which determine whether there is a need for simulation and objectives associated with a simulation effort. Also discusses characteristics of existing software packages which determine if instructors should use the software or develop their own software for the particular problem under analysis. (JN)

Describes plans of the Moscow N. E. Bauman Higher Technical School to improve the general theoretical preparation of its students, especially in the basic and general engineering disciplines, and to improve the educational process and use modern technical teaching equipment and computer technology. (Author/AV)

Proposed is a grading system utilizing independent checking and grade assignments to encourage student efforts. (SL)

Described is the Dynamic System Simulation Language (SIM) mini-computer system utilized at the University of California, Los Angeles. It is used by engineering students for solving nonlinear differential equations. (SL)

Describes a conference concerning the teaching of physics for those who make use of physics in other disciplines. An appendix describes reports prepared during the conference by working groups formed to consider the problems of relating physics to various specific disciplines. (Author/MLH)

The ability to negotiate and resolve socioscientific issues has been posited as integral components of scientific literacy. Although philosophers and science educators have argued that socioscientific issues inherently involve moral and ethical considerations, the ultimate arbiters of morality are individual decision-makers. This study explored…

Since the early nineties the Civil Engineering Faculty of the Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice, Poland has been involved in three Tempus projects, aimed at modernizing the Faculty educational system and its adjustment to European Union standards. The first and second projects were directed at creating new specialties: City Regeneration…

While proficiency in academic writing and communication skills, such as teamwork, are seen as desirable graduate outcomes in higher education, they have taken a secondary place to the teaching of specific disciplinary knowledge within curricula. Traditionally, writing, such as writing a researched report, has been a source of anxiety for students…

Aggregate measures of labor market conditions for recent science and engineering Ph.D. recipients changed only slightly between April 1993 and April 1995. The unemployment rate for all recent Ph.D.s rose from 1.7% in 1993 to 1.9% in 1995. The rate of recent Ph.D.s involuntarily working outside the field of their degree similarly rose slightly from…

This directory lists all projects funded by the National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) during the 1997 fiscal year. It includes summaries, funding data, and contact information for a broad range of programs. Programs are grouped into the following categories: (1) research and demonstration projects; (2) rehabilitation…

Universities and colleges are a critical component of the nation's research system. The condition and availability of research facilities at these institutions influence the work of current and future scientists. Recognizing the need for information on the amount and quality of scientific and engineering (S&E) research space, Congress mandated…

This paper presents new principles and basic approaches for the curricula of engineering degree courses. The accentuated evolution of engineering, the fast technological transformations and, still, the impact provoked by government regulations in the field of education in Brazil have called attention to these issues. Following these changes, it…

The present rush to liberalize the economy in most countries, is for some people a matter of principles and, for others, the hard cost of getting rid by "elimination" of the vices derived from statism and protectionism. In many countries, that kind of economic structure had crystallized their productive systems as a consequence of…

An undergraduate capstone engineering design project now provides hydroelectric power to a remote wilderness location. Students investigated the feasibility of designing, building, and installing a 4kW hydroelectric system to satisfy the need for electric power to support the research and teaching functions of Taylor Ranch, a university facility…

The researchers are developing a learning environment in the subject area of statics that includes physical models, interactive multimedia, traditional pencil-and-paper activities, and cooperative learning in the framework of experiential learning (Kolb, 1984). They are using Authorware Professional to construct the multimedia program. The…