The development of assessment criteria for undergraduate project work in engineering design is perceived as a difficult task. Describes an innovative course that has been developed at the undergraduate level. (DDR)

Students have problems successfully arranging an electric circuit to make the bulb produce light. Investigates the percentage of students able to complete a circuit with a given apparatus, and the effects of prior experience on student success. Recommends hands-on activities at the elementary and secondary school levels. (Contains 14 references.)…

Outlines quality assurance schemes for distance-education technologies that are based on the ISO 9000 family of international quality-assurance standards. Argues that engineering faculties can establish such systems on the basis of and integrated with accreditation schemes. Contains 34 references. (DDR)

Presents a portfolio of examples that illustrate how TI-92 technology has been used to support an undergraduate engineering mathematics course by changing it from student-passive to student-active. The instant feedback and variety of possible representations enables a concepts- and applications-driven interactive teaching approach which has led to…

After 30 years of failing to live up to the promises of its proponents, instructional technology has finally started to play an effective role in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education. Asserts that students in courses delivered entirely with technology have begun to outperform students in traditional lecture-based courses, a…

A survey was conducted on the language practices of 58 engineering personnel working on the Witwatersand in South Africa. Found that a high standard of English is crucial for professionals in a field with a policy of "English only" at management and inter-departmental levels and in written communication. (Author/VWL)

Examines the potential problems facing educational institutions from the impact of computer use, ergonomics, and physical injuries. Paying attention to ergonomics and solutions through proper furniture buying are discussed. Tips to help institutions reduce the possibility of children suffering painful and possibly disabling injuries are…

Reports on a study that describes in detail the design processes used by small groups of preservice teacher education students engaged in ill-defined, open-ended, self-selected design technology projects. Provides insight to assist teacher educators in designing courses. (Contains 30 references.) (DDR)

Presents the third part of a series on the development and implementation of project-based spiral curriculum in chemical engineering. Focuses on the details of the assessment design, describes the results of the assessment, and draws conclusions about the success of the program. (Contains 18 references.) (ASK)

Relates concerns for minority students regarding their reluctance to pursue advanced study. Concerns include financing of study, weaknesses in advisement practices and systems, lack of knowledge about the rewards of doctoral employment, and employment after graduation. Suggests early socialization and expanded funding as correctives. (Author/MM)

Several legislators indicated that the primary goal of the Commission on Advancement of Women and Minorities in Science and Engineering and Technology (CAWMSET) was to identify disincentives that cause attrition among females and minorities in science, engineering, and technology. Discusses why recent diversity legislation in Congress has now come…

Points out the developing interest in engineering ethics education in the last quarter of the 20th century, and explains the content of engineering ethics education which addresses the development of technology. Describes the prominent curriculum models in the United States and changing accreditation criteria for U.S. engineering schools.…

Kerr wrote of the black box of design decisions--that time when the "heart of an instructional solution first appears." Petroski writes of judgment as indispensable for engineering design decisions. Both instructional design and engineering are design sciences, yet engineering has a rich tradition of discussing and reflecting upon design…

Case studies of professional software development practices describe how real (or realistic) projects are planned and executed. Cases provide engaging models of the activities and materials of software development to students and other novice practitioners. They vividly remind learners of the possibilities for meaningfully applying knowledge and…

In higher education, different instructors who teach the same course may vary the instructional paths, pace, and depth of the content. These variations may result in different performances among learners. The intent of this research is to design a course management system that aggregates appropriate course units based on maximum consensus among…