This article describes the development of an undergraduate psychology program in human factors engineering (the application of psychological principles to systems/technology development and usage). The need for such programs, as evidenced by the positive reactions of industry and academia to the program at Kearney State College, Kearney, Nebraska,…

An instructional development project at the University of Kansas focused upon two major objectives: (1) to develop teaching strategies to introduce engineering students and faculty to literature searching on computerized data bases, and (2) to help students develop effective on-line search strategies. A faculty workshop and an undergraduate…

Written as part of a series for the Science Council of Canada, this publication focuses on elementary and secondary school science education as it effects students in general and those pursuing engineering and technical careers in particular. Section one examines post-Sputnik science education and claims that an overly narrow emphasis on pure…

PAPERS PREPARED FOR A SUMMER INSTITUTE ON EFFECTIVE TEACHING FOR TEACHERS OF ENGINEERING SUBJECTS ARE CONTAINED IN THIS CONFERENCE REPORT. GENERAL SUBJECT AREAS DISCUSSED ARE--(1) EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION, (2) LEARNING THEORY AND ITS APPLICATION TO CLASSROOM TEACHING, (3) LECTURE, DISCUSSION, AND LECTURE-DISCUSSION METHODS…

This document promotes computer symbolic mathematics and computer algebra as ideal instructional materials for mathematics, science, and engineering students. Further, computer algebra is viewed as appropriate for all students throughout the mathematics curriculum, by serving a vast area of mutual reinforcement and cross-motivation between…

Using the expertise of faculty members of various departments, the University of Texas at Austin has initiated a four-year, two million dollar project, called C-BE, to examine the capacity of computer-assisted instruction (CIA) to improve teaching in the sciences and in engineering. The computer can assist the instructor by doing grading,…

These five articles discuss the improvement of vocational education programs through the infusion of mathematics and science skills. They include an auto mechanics curriculum; an 11th-grade industrial maintenance program (orientation, electricity, plumbing); a combination automotive services-small business program; and two programs at one…

Project Kaleidoscope (PKAL) focuses on transforming undergraduate science, mathematics, engineering, and technology programs and draws faculty from across disciplinary lines. The project report provides an overview of the project; a section that traces the project from problem definition to project conclusion and discusses administrative pitfalls;…

The Special Intensive Program for Scientists and Engineers (SIPSE) at Diablo Valley College in California replaces the traditional engineering calculus and physics sequences with a single sequence that combines the two subjects into an integrated whole. The project report provides an overview of SIPSE, a section that traces the project from…

Traditional engineering degree courses no longer adequately or effectively satisfy the needs of industry and society. It is suggested that if engineering is to survive as a profession, engineering education must prepare engineers for much wider roles throughout society than at present. (Author/MSE)

Discusses the mission of the National Science Foundation (NSF) in the context of a national strategy for science and mathematics education. Specifies the agenda of the organization as it relates to mathematics, science, engineering, and technology. Outlines what must occur for this agenda to be in place. (DDR)

Applies principles of constructivism and virtual reality (VR) to computer-aided design (CAD) curriculum, particularly engineering, by integrating network, VR and CAD technologies into a Web-based learning environment that expands traditional two-dimensional computer graphics into a three-dimensional real-time simulation that enhances user…

The longitudinal study with second-year Chemical Engineering students (N=31) found conventionally taught courses generated study problems in the lecture and student assessment components whereas in resource-based education students confronted problems with the resource laboratory, with reference materials, with tutorials, and with student…

Reports on a project that attempts to inform faculty of female-friendly changes in curriculum content and pedagogy derived from research in women's and ethnic studies. Supports the hypothesis that more inclusionary techniques help reverse the trend of increasing student attrition. (DDR)

The challenge of preparing engineering graduates for a fast-changing work environment calls for the development of thinking programmes. A psychological basis was used to develop the tenets of the approach. The Cognitive Modifiability Intervention (CMI) was rationalized and conceived as a corollary of observations of learning scenarios and an…