Influencing Student Learning: An Industry Perspective
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| Audience/Grade: | College Freshman-Graduate |
| Discipline(s): |
Aerospace Engineering Design General Engineering, Engineering Science Mechanical Engineering |
| Special Topic(s): | |
| Learning Resource Type: |
Reference - Article/Document |
| Media Type: |
Audio |
| Author(s): |
John McMasters |
| Description: | Paper published in Int. J. Engng Ed. Vol. 22, No. 3, pp. 447-459, 2006. Abstract: "Much has been written over the past several decades about the need for reform in engineering education and the elements of what such reform might encompass (e.g. enhanced curricula with a stronger emphasis on design, improved pedagogical methods). Most of this literature has been written from an academic rather than industry or employer perspective, with a focus on faculty and curricular issues. Relatively little has been presented from a student perspective. The issue of what factors influence students in their choice of pursuing a career in engineering or how they might be educated and retained in engineering education programs has not been adequately addressed. The purpose of this paper is to discuss some of the steps we within the broader technical community (in industry, government and academe) can and should take to assure an adequate future supply of well prepared engineering graduates for the full range of employers who have need for such talent. Although much has been accomplished in the past decade to enhance engineering education, we, as both educators and practitioners, have much to do to cooperatively create a strong and vivid vision of our future, and ensure the proper development of a future generation of engineers with the skills and motivation to meet society's needs in our ever-evolving enterprise." |
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| Related Resources | |
| Keywords: | John McMasters engineering manpower; engineering career professional skills; industry perspective |
| Is Component of: |
John McMasters Collection |
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| Related ABET Criteria: |
(c) Design a system, component, or process |
| Use of Resource: |
Conclusions: "Much has been accomplished in the past two decades in changing our system of engineering education in this country, but so much more needs to be done, especially in creating truly student-centered undergraduate programs that attract and retain women and under-represented minorities while maintaining the high standards required to sustain the integrity of our profession. Having been an active member of the engineering education reform movement for many years, the author has found it necessary at times to be a harsh critic of the current education system in this country. This has led some readers of his earlier writings to assume that his criticisms of the system are aimed at them individually, and that he has some sort of axe to grind. Neither is the case, to the degree to which one can be truly objective about one's own motivations. It has been a long-standing belief that, despite all criticisms, we in the US continue to have arguably the best graduate-level engineering education system in the world. It is toward the undergraduate system that most criticisms have been directed. It is also true that an amazing number of truly dedicated individuals continue to work extremely hard under heavy constraints to give their students (at any level) the best education possible. One has to have been a working-level faculty member in a modern research university to fully appreciate what these individuals strive to accomplish under often difficult conditions. The author has the utmost regard and respect of these people, and considers many of them to be among his most valued friends and colleagues. It remains a fact that in this country, teaching (at any level) is still one of the most challenging, important, and sadly under-respected vocations in our society. The tired old saw, `Those who can, do; those who can't, teach', infuriates every time it remains too often heard." |
| Difficulty: |
Medium |
| Interactivity Level: |
Very low |
| Version Info | |
| Publication Date: | January 2006 |
| Platform/Format: |
WWW |
| Cost: |
Free |
| Download URL: | http://www.ijee.dit.ie/latestissues/Vol22-3/04_ijee1757.pdf |
| Metadata: |
IEEE LOM Record |
| Collection: |
International Journal of Engineering Education
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