The ability to develop new problem descriptions, called problem restructuring in architectural design, has been related to creativity. Looking at human creativity through problem restructuring is likely to offer more research results and questions and can benefit understanding of the role of creativity in professional practice and related decision…

Discusses the problems that those who train and develop individuals in the workplace have because of a lack of a unified understanding of who they are and what they do and a lack of a common terminology and, consequently, a unified identity. (JOW)

A survey of 87 engineering students showed that, although engineering co-op positions often emphasize technical skills, qualities such as motivation, communication, and interpersonal skills are also important. There are differences in the level of importance that students attach to some of these nontechnical qualities, but it is also important to…

Recent surveys show significant gaps between men's and women's performance on NAEP and SAT math sections and little change in career choices along gender lines. Sex equity advocates believe that subtle practices in school classrooms are denying girls the opportunity to reach their full potential. This article offers advice on addressing gender…

With a spotlight upon current agricultural difficulties and environmental dilemmas, this paper considers both the extant and potential applications of genetic engineering with respect to crop production. The nonagricultural factors most likely to sway the impact of this emergent technology upon future crop production are illustrated. (JJK)

Based on an earlier study of the lexico-grammatical behavior of verbs in certain texts, this paper examines the associated features that characterize engineering texts to determine whether they co-occur frequently enough to distinguish "engineering English" as a recognizable genre. (18 references) (Author/LB)

In a survey of 303 cooperative engineering students, those in higher grade levels experienced more career growth from their latest co-op job. Few differences between third- and fourth-year students suggest that students benefit most from their first three co-op quarters. (SK)

Two ethical concerns about the Human Genome Project, which aims to sequence all the DNA of a human cell, are discussed: (1) use of germ-line gene therapy to treat perceived hereditary defects or enhance supposed genetic attributes, and (2) personal privacy and potential discrimination arising from possession of individual genetic information. (MSE)

Presented are the highlights of a press conference featuring biomedical ethicist LeRoy Walters of Georgetown University and attorney Andrew Kimbrell of the Foundation on Economic Trends. The opposing points of view of these two speakers serve to outline the pros and cons of the gene therapy issue. (CW)

The study of aerodynamics using a wind tunnel helps students develop an understanding of the basic scientific concepts of lift, drag, and stability and their applications. Directions for building a wind tunnel in the classroom and activities for using the tunnel are provided. (KR)

A group of 255 civil engineering students in cooperative education programs responded to 12 hypothetical professional ethics situations in core areas of public interest. Findings showed that (1) co-op influences change from rule-based to act-based ethics; (2) students face ethical dilemmas during co-op; and (3) students considered the consequences…

The Knowledge Innovation System is a management technique in which a networked enterprise uses knowledge flow as a collaborative advantage. Enterprise Management System-Architecture, which can be applied to collaborative activities, has five domains: economic, sociological, psychological, managerial, and technological. (SK)

The "Discover Engineering Summer Camp" program is intended to educate young women about engineering careers. Program evaluation and follow-up surveys show the experience increases awareness among participants of engineering as a career, and follow-up surveys show that 60% pursue engineering and cite the camp as having influenced their decision.…

Describes the results of surveys of students' confidence in basic mathematics and the subsequent diagnostic testing of basic mathematical skills. Identifies learning needs and ways in which students can be supported. (Author/CCM)

Describes an interdisciplinary course which reenvisioned the writing requirement for engineering students: Engineering Design and Communication, an interdisciplinary, two-quarter, team-taught course that is project-based, team-based, and equally focused on design and communication (and team taught by engineering and writing program faculty).…