Discusses various aspects of science, technology, and the scientific enterprise in the United States, addressing problems (energy, computers, education; engineering, government role, and others) which need to be considered in a world dominated by science and science-based technology. (JN)

Summarizes Part I of an NSF report on the status of science and engineering education in the United States. Recommends increasing public awareness of the need for excellence in science and technology and proposes four courses of action for improving curricula, and helping teachers. (SK)

A study of Israeli university engineering students (n=85) and education students (n=87) measured their motivated learning strategies and assessment preferences. Results showed individual differences in assessment preferences overshadowed discipline group differences, and assessment preference differences were largely related to learning strategies…

Explores the empirical evidence that explains the increasing attrition rates of first year college science, math, and engineering (SME) majors. Results suggest that the interaction of instructional factors, differing high school and college faculty expectations for entering SME undergraduates, and epistemological considerations contribute to…

This article describes an interdisciplinary classroom project in which ninth graders simulate a "World Council on Genetic Technology." Students in small groups take on the persona and interests of individuals from specific countries in the group effort to develop a covenant for regulating the use of biotechnology. The benefits of having gifted…

The Stanford Instructional Television Network (SITN), the largest single university provider of live televised graduate-level engineering courses worldwide, partners with industry to address issues of competitiveness and job productivity. SITN offers engineers, scientists and technical managers a means to extend their education without leaving the…

Six articles and case studies examine continuing education in the United Kingdom. Highlights include vocational education and training; the Professional, Industrial and Commercial Updating Programme (PICKUP); retraining in software engineering; Higher Introductory Technology and Engineering Conversion Course (HITECC); training needs in…

Discusses the history and commercialization of alkanes. Examines the nomenclature and uses of alkanes. Studies polymerization and several types of polyethylenes: low-density, high-density, low-molecular-weight, cross-linked, linear low-density, and ultrahigh-molecular-weight. Includes a glossary of hydrocarbon terms. (MVL)

Stresses the need for chemical engineering education to keep abreast of current needs. Explores the need for global economics, marketing strategy, product differentiation, and patent law in the curriculum. Questions the abilities of current chemical engineering graduate students in those areas. (MVL)

Identifies factors that reduce the effectiveness of computers as intermediaries and discusses possible negative effects on user satisfaction and the interaction between users and librarians. A set of guidelines for the improvement of online catalogs, based on user needs and abilities, is presented. (41 references) (CLB)

The Purdue University (Indiana) Department of Freshman Engineering offers a counselor-tutorial program to high-potential, but academically disadvantaged, freshmen. The program's counseling and tutorial services are intended to help students successfully complete their first-year courses in calculus, chemistry, and physics. Experience shows…

Discusses a hypermedia prototype system constituting a hypermedia dictionary environment and a database of field-specific reading passages with related exercises, for utilization in the teaching of English engineering terminology in foreign language environments. (eight references) (CK)

Reports on survey results from 275 faculty and 640 students, predominantly in the aerospace engineering field, concerning their behaviors about the appropriation and dissemination of information. Indicates that, as information processors, aerospace faculty and students are "information naive." Raises questions about the efficacy of…

Reports on results from 260 aerospace engineers and scientists in United States, Europe, and Japan regarding their opinions about professional importance of technical communications; generation and utilization of technical communications; and relevant content of an undergraduate course in technical communications. The fields of cryogenics,…

A study investigated the attitudes of engineering students (n=167) and graduates (n=220) who had taken courses which were enhanced to better prepare them for professional practice than conventional courses. In general, these students and graduates viewed their courses more favorably than those (n=353) in conventional courses. Some complaints were…