Outlines details of key pilot projects on quality assessment in the higher education sector in Ireland. Discusses how the Universities Act of 1997 can ensure that emphasis is placed on the highest standards in teaching and research. (DDR)

Recounts the history of chemistry instruction in English higher education, particularly the development of technical, or industrial, chemistry. Describes attempts to develop independent courses and departments of technical chemistry in the second half of the 19th century and the difficulties experienced. Extends the discussion to applied science…

Just as athletic coaches match children's size to appropriately sized gear, children using computers need suitably sized furniture and hardware. Just as coaches use appropriately timed warmups and breaks, teachers should establish healthy work habits for computer users in their classes. Tips and equipment specifications are provided. (MLH)

Describes the role of William H. Gray, president and chief executive officer of The College Fund/United Negro College Fund (UNCF) in negotiating the Gates Millennium Scholarships Program, a $1 billion grant from William H. Gates to fund scholarships for minority college and graduate students in science, engineering, math, and education. The UNCF…

Discussion of student achievement and persistence rates in science, engineering, and mathematics disciplines focuses on a study of college students that evaluated the joint contributions of academic background measures and other factors, including self-beliefs, toward the explanation of overall grade performance. Describes correlations between…

Introduces a set of papers in this journal issue that address outcomes assessment in engineering education. Discusses the reasons and methods for outcomes assessment. (WRM)

Presents a ranking of the top United States universities in their quest for intellectual property, commercial partners, and profits. Bases rankings on a consideration of patent numbers, patent quality, and licensing revenues. (WRM)

Reviews the commitment of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to employing minority women scientists and engineers and the progress made in the decades since the equal opportunity plan was established in 1969. (WRM)

"Telementoring" programs, formal and informal online exchanges between students and working professionals, have flourished using e-mail. This article discusses telementoring and issues to consider (finding mentors, familiarity, frequency of exchange, preparation and facilitation, and closure) before creating a program and the…

States that engineers contribute tremendously to the changing face of the earth, and the ever more urgent call for languages, management, and law competencies for engineers is an expression of the need for a grounding in humanities. Discusses the role of humanities in engineering education in the context of world economics and the role of…

Defines ergonomics and discusses design and environmental considerations. Suggests work-space requirements for: tables, chairs, monitor height, ambient noise and light, electricity, and environmental hazards. Includes sources for additional information related to ergonomic design. (AEF)

Argues that the world of technical education suffers from contradictions caused by the necessity to divide teaching efforts between groups of subjects consisting of classical theories, numerical methods, and practical skills and knowledge. Considers different aspects of these contradictions and proposes some recommendations to minimize the…

Reports on the implementation of engineering design projects in two dozen secondary-science classrooms in the United States following an inservice professional-development course conducted at a university engineering college. Contains 28 references. (DDR)

Explains how peer review is incorporated into the undergraduate research lab as part of an ongoing effort to develop the oral and written communication skills of chemical engineering undergraduates. (DDR)

Describes some of the initiatives taken in conjunction with Singapore's national objective of having 60 percent of the population achieve a tertiary qualification to support the knowledge-based economy. Outlines programs designed for the varying abilities of students and the incorporation of appropriate use of information technology to make…