A course at De Montfort University (Great Britain) in industrial analysis with 111 students was taught using small student teams to research specific industries. It emphasized the relationship between theory, research, and industrial applications. The experiment provided students with insight into effective research methods and cooperative work.…

Evaluates the teaching and learning processes in a computer-supported first-year undergraduate course in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Surrey (England). Students saw the workshop delivery as being more interesting, effective, and efficient than lecture-based delivery; help from the tutor was seen as the most…

The affirmative action efforts of the College of Engineering at the University of California Davis campus demonstrate affirmative action at its best. Eight programs are described that represent positive and constructive affirmative action that gives women and minorities the opportunity to advance through hard work. (SLD)

Data from a national survey of faculty salaries at baccalaureate and comprehensive colleges are presented and analyzed. Average salaries are presented in tabular form for 46 disciplines for professor, associate professor, assistant professor, new assistant professor, instructor, and all ranks combined. (MSE)

Research on the study behavior of first-year engineering students compared secondary school science study with that for a core undergraduate engineering course. Results indicated that some traditional students begin study as much at risk academically as nontraditional counterparts; workloads force students to adopt strategic approaches to study;…

The University of Birmingham (England) Product and Manufacturing System (PAMS) design project is a major engineering design project undertaken by student teams and is spread over three undergraduate years. The project's objectives, open-ended student task, team member selection method, focus on transferable skills, supervision, and peer assessment…

Provides a statistical record of black progress in U.S. institutions of higher education. Data highlight the state of racial inequality, black graduation rates ranked by institution, total grant dollars expended by various foundation grants for black students, and the progress of blacks in attaining engineering degrees. (GR)

A model combining formative and longitudinal program evaluation was applied to two programs (economics/business administration and engineering) at Uppsala University (Sweden) in which students are brought together after two years in regional institutions. Useful features of the evaluation method are discussed and results of job market follow-up…

Presents a fictional look at engineering curricula and hiring practices to suggest ways that mathematics teacher educators can learn from experiences of other professions in preparing teachers and providing beginning teachers with appropriate experiences. (MDH)

A study based on national data found that the average duration of doctoral study was related to departmental emphases on scholarly careers and the resources to implement those emphases. Patterns varied by general discipline area and by specific discipline, suggesting a need for detailed analysis by discipline. (Author/MSE)

Described is a membrane experiment that provides students with experience in fundamental engineering skills such as mass balances, modeling, and using the computer as a research tool. Included are the experimental design, theory, method of solution, sample calculations, and conclusions. (KR)

National surveys show that the new pool of doctoral degree recipients includes a larger share of women, slightly more minority group members, substantially fewer Blacks, and more non-U.S. citizens than a decade ago. Fewer Americans but more foreigners are getting science and engineering doctorates. (MSE)

An interdisciplinary robotics project undertaken by students is described. The students acted as designers, innovators, and the engineers in designing a dancing robot. The origin of the problem, designing of the mechanical frame, pneumatics, digitized sound, and problems with the design are discussed. (KR)

Studies female engineers' characteristics, how they were socialized into engineering, and coping mechanisms for a male-dominated work world. Interviews with 29 women and 3 men suggest that women choose engineering because of the challenge, interest, and parental influence. Many female engineers experience gender discrimination and problems with…

Describes the development and validation of a microcomputer software system that enhances undergraduate students' interests in becoming engineering graduate students. The development of a database with information on engineering graduate programs is discussed, and a model that matches individual and institutional needs using Southwell's Relaxation…