This paper presents a report of research on the evaluation of systemic reform of education in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology (SMET), focusing on the Statewide Systemic Initiatives (SSIs) that have been funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) since 1991. The main purpose of the study was to develop recommendations for the…

The is the first report from a study of a structured active learning approach to an analytical chemistry course. The purpose of the study is to assess the longitudinal outcomes of this approach and to provide feedback to curriculum developers about the effects of the changes being made in the chemistry curriculum. The data, collected from a cohort…

This paper reports on a unique assessment of a structured active learning approach to a freshman chemistry course. Faculty members (N=25) from 11 departments outside the chemistry department served as assessors interviewing approximately 200 students from the experimental and a comparison version of the course. The experimental section of the…

A study examined Chiat/Day inc. Advertising's team-based virtual office in which work could occur at any location inside or outside the office at any time. Three sites used three workplace strategies: full virtual (FV), modified virtual (MV), and conventional (C). Interviews, observations, and archival data were used to assess project teams doing…

Despite receiving over 50% of associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in the United States in 1990, women earned only 15% of engineering bachelor's degrees. Polynesian and Filipino women compose an almost vanishing percentage of these engineering graduates. To make visible the social obstacles minority women engineers experience, this paper…

In the past 5 years, National Science Foundation (NSF) support for two-year colleges has risen from approximately $1 million per year to the current level of approximately $23 million per year. This report on the NSF's two-year college related activities in fiscal year 1994 (FY94) begins with letters of transmittal, and a brief introduction and…

This study used Super's theory of vocational development and choice as the basis for looking at implementation of the self concept in an occupation. Focus groups were used with 123 women enrolled in science and science-related programs in Alberta colleges, technical institutes, and universities. Proceedings of each group were type recorded,…

This Public Law (PL-105-255) lays out the reasons for establishing the Commission; the duties of the Commission; membership, directorship, and powers of the commission; and expectations for the Commission's report. (WRM)

The current curricular structure in engineering education does not allow for developing students' creativity, flexibility, capacity to work in a group, or ability to initiate work opportunities. This paper explores the concepts of "field of professional performance" and "knowledge area" as they relate to modern engineering…

This paper presents an overview of the fundamental characteristics of the teaching and learning environment of a computer language class course designed for college-level engineering and computer science education. Characteristics include training teachers, student evaluation, learning environment, and integrating disciplines. (Contains 16…

Rube Goldberg is famous for his very complex machines that accomplish everyday tasks. In this activity, students design and build a Rube Goldberg machine that will accomplish a simple task in no less than 10 steps. This activity requires a 120-360 minute time period for completion. (Author/SOE)

When asked to list some strong materials, people think of steel, concrete, and wood. In this activity, students learn about the force of compression and how it acts on structural components through a hands-on group problem. Using everyday products such as paper, toothpicks, and tape, students construct a structure that will support the weight of a…

In 1997, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research started an initiative to promote e-learning in Germany by installing an extensive research program. The Virtual University of Applied Sciences in Engineering, Computer Science and Economic Engineering is the most prominent and best-funded of the more than 100 projects in the field…

This commentary focuses on reforms in undergraduate science, mathematics, engineering, and technology (SME&T) education since 1986. A snapshot of these programs at the end of the 20th century is presented, and steps to take into the next decade are outlined. The report contains sections that discuss the status and desired directions for our…

This report covers one segment of a larger professional development program for transportation professionals that addresses the need to develop a larger cadre of transportation professionals capable of designing, planning, managing, operating, and maintaining the transportation infrastructure nationwide. Three specific tasks were undertaken and…