This document reports on a study of two approaches to an analytical chemistry course: (1) a structured active learning approach; and (2) a step-by-step lecture style problem solving approach. The purpose of the study was to assess and compare the outcomes of these approaches. The data consisted of open-ended interviews with students, open-ended…

The Science of Living Spaces program provides girls aged 11-13 increased access to and awareness of the possibilities inherent in pursuing careers in science, engineering, and mathematics. Objectives of the program include expanding career knowledge and opportunities; increasing participants' knowledge of and exposure to science, engineering, and…

This report describes a project at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (New York) to develop a curriculum that focuses on the social construction and use of science and technology in diverse cultural contexts. The program consists of both a minor and a three-course concentration on cross-cultural studies of science and technology. Courses covered…

Sustainability must be integrated into all levels of engineering education, from foundation courses to ongoing projects and research. This report contains the proceedings of the Joint Conference on Engineering Education and Training for Sustainable Development. The objectives of the conference were to define the essential knowledge and skills of…

The economic growth of the nation is dependent upon the inclusion of minority and underrepresented groups in science, engineering, mathematics, and technology-related careers. This report especially addresses those barriers encountered by Latina students preparing to enter scientific and technical careers. The paper summarizes the research…

More than 1.5 million men and women received special training during the period from October 9, 1940 to June 30, 1945 in short, intensive college-level courses designed to prepare for technical and scientific work in war industries. These courses were conducted by colleges and universities under the sponsorship of the U. S. Office of Education.…

Provides information on industry-sponsored programs for college faculty and advanced undergraduate students designed to improve polymer science training: these include residency programs for professors available at industrial laboratories, establishment of a Polymer Education Award, newsletter on course materials/sources in polymer science,…

Discusses a step-by-step procedure for securing a job in the academic community, developing chronologically what the candidate does and what the employing school does. Covers important items to build into the resume, pre-screening the job market, sending job queries, campus visits, follow-up, negotiation, and preparation for the first year. (JM)

Using U.S. Office of Education data, bachelor's degree awards in seven curriculum areas in black land-grant institutions from 1967 to 1977 were analyzed. A widening range of curriculum pursuits was found, with increases particularly in business, engineering, and the social sciences, and a large decrease in education. (MSE)

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)

Electronics companies, faced with growing competition from Japan and fearing a shortage of well-trained Ph.D.'s, are pouring unprecedented amounts of cash into university electrical engineering, computer science, and other science departments. Specific examples are cited. (Author/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)

Although structural analysis is a fundamental subject in civil engineering, its abstract concepts and the difficulty in visualizing them pose problems for students. This article examines the application of virtual reality (VR) to civil engineering. Describes the design, development, and evaluation of a VR-based learning center for a structural…

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…