A study investigated study habits of 154 educationally disadvantaged engineering students enrolled in developmental studies programs in 3 South African universities. Aspects examined include entry skills, study patterns throughout the first year, and characteristics of students whose study habits changed over time. Implications for admission and…

The existing methods for graphically illustrating projection and coordinate systems for manual and computer-aided drafting and design are examined. Inconsistencies in methods used to graphically depict first and third angle projection in texts and the lack of attention in the relationship of projection to coordinate systems are noted. (KR)

An algorithm is described for generating smooth curves of first-order continuity. The algorithm is composed of several cubic Bezier curves joined together at the user defined control points. Introduced is a tension control parameter which can be set thus providing additional flexibility in the design of free-form curves. (KR)

The focus of this article is on how computer graphics can be integrated throughout the engineering graphics curriculum to increase visual perceptual skills. Visual perception is defined, the need to develop it is described, and methods which engineering graphics educators can use to develop it are outlined. (KR)

Described is the student selection procedure for higher education in technical sciences in Finland. Examined are the outlook, problems, and opportunities for development of universities of technology in the 1990s. The inadequate preparation of students in math and science and the lack of women who chose technological studies are discussed. (KR)

Describes the development of an interactive model for library instruction in a large-enrollment undergraduate engineering course at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (New York). The model, which is based on the Karplus Learning Cycle, has provided an effective framework for library instruction within the undergraduate engineering curriculum.…

A study investigated causes of initial interest in and attrition from natural sciences and engineering among 5,320 students entering 4 highly selective institutions in 1988, with attention to probable causes of disproportionate attrition of women. Reasons for high attrition were based on cognitive variables or the perceived "chilly"…

Describes a report writing unit that is part of a three-year language/communication course for second language engineering students at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa. States that the tasks motivated the students to develop their report writing and oral skills. (RS)

Illustrated is the use of spreadsheet programs for implementing finite difference numerical simulations of chromatography as an instructional tool in a separations course. Discussed are differential equations, discretization and integration, spreadsheet development, computer requirements, and typical simulation results. (CW)

Describes the conceptual framework and three core courses of the certificate program in Preventive Engineering and Social Development at the Centre for Technology and Social Development at the University of Toronto. Preventive approaches examine how technology fits into, interacts with, and depends on human life, society, and the biosphere to…

Details a joint project between a university and a community group that involves girls in a one-week science day camp. Discusses how this project could be recreated on any campus with ease and outlines the role of the university in supporting the program. (DDR)

Presents results of a campus survey that suggests that many male engineering students have negative attitudes toward women, are generally more confident about their success in engineering, and receive more support from peers and mentors than do women. (Contains 34 references.) (Author/WRM)

A study of black accomplishments in the sciences and engineering examines the history of black doctoral degree attainment in various subspecialties, particularly in comparison to United States citizens overall, and documents distribution of salaries by field and level of highest degree. Also documented are the baccalaureate origins of black…

Discusses the importance of faculty mentors in the persistence and success of black doctoral students in the sciences and engineering, and describes individual cases in which this relationship has been crucial. Issues discussed include student feelings of isolation, color issues in the mentoring relationship, and the need for more black women…

In engineering education, creativity and communication processes have become necessary in complex structures such as technological networks and virtual reality. A new sociotechnical approach describes the engineering profession in aspects other than technology such as tasks, views, organization structures, and cooperation. Describes a…