Examines the following essential skills for a successful electronic performance support systems design: (1) the ability to understand and assess human performance needs; (2) open-mindedness; (3) solid design skills; (4) human-computer interface design skills; (5) team leadership skills; and (6) microcomputer application design skills. (AEF)

Examines college student perceptions of barriers to women's careers in science and engineering, particularly changes occurring since a study conducted in 1961 and differences between genders. Data from 110 male and 173 female university students suggest that perceived barriers correlate most with work and family conflicts and gender relations. (JB)

A study investigated study habits of 154 educationally disadvantaged engineering students enrolled in developmental studies programs in 3 South African universities. Aspects examined include entry skills, study patterns throughout the first year, and characteristics of students whose study habits changed over time. Implications for admission and…

The relationship between grade point average (GPA) and scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for 60 male and 7 female Asian graduate students in engineering was studied. The TOEFL is not an effective predictor of total GPA, although it measures English communication skills. (SLD)

Described is the student selection procedure for higher education in technical sciences in Finland. Examined are the outlook, problems, and opportunities for development of universities of technology in the 1990s. The inadequate preparation of students in math and science and the lack of women who chose technological studies are discussed. (KR)

Describes the development of an interactive model for library instruction in a large-enrollment undergraduate engineering course at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (New York). The model, which is based on the Karplus Learning Cycle, has provided an effective framework for library instruction within the undergraduate engineering curriculum.…

Explores design considerations for a functional microcomputer lab, including ergonomics and furnishings; access for the disabled; the use of other media; hardware security; and software security, including virus protection. A summary paragraph comments on the role of planning and forecasting. A bibliography of eight titles for further reading is…

A study investigated causes of initial interest in and attrition from natural sciences and engineering among 5,320 students entering 4 highly selective institutions in 1988, with attention to probable causes of disproportionate attrition of women. Reasons for high attrition were based on cognitive variables or the perceived "chilly"…

Describes a report writing unit that is part of a three-year language/communication course for second language engineering students at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa. States that the tasks motivated the students to develop their report writing and oral skills. (RS)

Describes the conceptual framework and three core courses of the certificate program in Preventive Engineering and Social Development at the Centre for Technology and Social Development at the University of Toronto. Preventive approaches examine how technology fits into, interacts with, and depends on human life, society, and the biosphere to…

Details a joint project between a university and a community group that involves girls in a one-week science day camp. Discusses how this project could be recreated on any campus with ease and outlines the role of the university in supporting the program. (DDR)

Describes the efforts at Pace University (New York, NY) to develop and refine electronic classrooms. Topics include technology integration; needs assessment; ergonomics and environmental design issues; small-group instruction for faculty training, including cross-departmental partnerships; student feedback; and faculty feedback. (LRW)

Presents results of a campus survey that suggests that many male engineering students have negative attitudes toward women, are generally more confident about their success in engineering, and receive more support from peers and mentors than do women. (Contains 34 references.) (Author/WRM)

A study of black accomplishments in the sciences and engineering examines the history of black doctoral degree attainment in various subspecialties, particularly in comparison to United States citizens overall, and documents distribution of salaries by field and level of highest degree. Also documented are the baccalaureate origins of black…

Discusses the importance of faculty mentors in the persistence and success of black doctoral students in the sciences and engineering, and describes individual cases in which this relationship has been crucial. Issues discussed include student feelings of isolation, color issues in the mentoring relationship, and the need for more black women…