Describes an engineering course consisting of a sequence of specific, actual cases, that emphasizes the development of skills in synthesizing information, and in identifying and solving practical engineering problems. (MLH)

Views the teaching of materials as content oriented, while teaching design is process oriented. Advocates the integration of design teaching with materials teaching through design problems in which the materials component plays a large part. (GS)

Recent studies on how students solve problems are summarized and suggestions are made of how engineering teachers can apply this information. (BB)

Describes a multidisciplinary course in the sciences, humanities, and engineering that teaches the use of evidence in problem-solving. The guided design teaching method is used, in which the instructor circulates among small discussion groups to advise them on problem-solving. (MLH)

Discusses the use of varied resources to conduct undergraduate systems design courses at the Drexel University with the support of the Sloan Foundation. The purpose is to provide students with an ability to develop solutions to problems encountered in a real, living, and dynamic situation. (CC)

Reviews approaches taken in meeting the design requirements in engineering programs. Highlights the value and applications of student involvement in design projects. Explains the features of an engineering case and advocates their use as an alternative or supplement to design projects. (ML)

Discussed is an alternative to the traditional lecture-homework-quiz method of instruction. Innovative techniques applied in a statics class are described. A comparison between the innovative course and the same course taught traditionally is provided. (KR)

In this article, some of the essential factors to a good technical program are identified. Seen as three major factors are: (1) teaching students to define problems; (2) teaching students that most engineering problems have more than one solution and contain trade-offs; (3) instilling a desire for continuous education. (MA)

Describes an attempt on the part of an engineering faculty to develop problem-solving skills in its undergraduate students. It includes a course description in problem solving. (SA)

Discusses ways in which to help students solve problems effectively. On the basis of her observations of novice and expert problem solvers, the author suggests teaching the processes used by the experts directly to the students. (SA)

Offers perspectives and specific ways of developing and nurturing critical and creative problem-solving skills with engineering students. Provides examples of exercises and approaches that aim in stimulating creativity and in providing understanding of course material. (ML)

Compares engineering and nonscience students studying energy concepts in two separate courses. Considers their approaches to solving problems, their views on personal participation in "sociological" solutions to the energy problems, and other areas. Implications for engineering education are addressed. (JN)

Structured Controversy, an instructional technique based on cooperative group learning, stimulates student involvement in issues concerning technology and society. The technique involves selecting a discussion topic; preparing instructional materials; preparing students for the discussion; the structured controversy itself; and wrap-up and…

States that students who simultaneously acquire subject matter concepts and high-level thinking skills are more likely to learn, remember, and be able to apply the concepts. Provides an example for assisting faculty in developing better decision-makers. (RT)

Describes the novice-to-expert model of human learning and compares it to the recent advances in the areas of artificial intelligence and expert systems. Discusses some of the characteristics of experts, proposing connections between them with expert systems and theories of left-right brain functions. (TW)