Social, medical, and technological innovations are discussed, first with reference to historical examples and then with modern studies. The need for evaluating both the innovations themselves and the research processes leading to them is also discussed. Suggests needed research and explains new initiatives by AAAS in science and engineering…

Presents an excerpted lecture given by Fred S. Keller, who discusses the nature of personalized instruction (PSI), how MIT began, and PSI experiences at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Keller also comments on the implications of MIT experiences for educational reformers and provides his views on related issues. (JN)

This paper moves beyond the competence focus of mainstream value engineering training (e.g. Miles 1989, "Techniques of Value Engineering and Value Analysis"; Kaufman 1990, "Value Engineering for the Practitioner"), such books achieve their training goal well but lack the pedagogic aim we argue in this paper. This paper achieves our aim by…

Suggests that a chief contributor to the continued economic success of the western economies will be the productivity gains available through efficient preventative maintenance planning and argues for appropriate changes in engineering curricula. Describes the formulation of maintenance planning problems and illustrates with numerical examples the…

Critical areas of undergraduate education are discussed, and creative suggestions for maintaining excellence in Pennsylvania education are offered by the Student Committee on Undergraduate Education (SCUE) at the University of Pennsylvania. Specific topics include: the curriculum, advising, teaching, residential life, and admissions. The…

Reports on a course at Rowan University, based on the economic design of a baseball stadium, that offers an introduction to multidisciplinary engineering design linked with formal training in technical communication. Addresses four pedagogical goals: (1) developing public speaking skills in a realistic, business setting; (2) giving students…

Addresses the development of innovative skills in future engineers and the factors that promote and inhibit change. Describes two theoretical perspectives which deal with some of the factors affecting individuals and groups when confronted with the possibility of radical change. (TW)

Discusses the applicability of the definition, principles, and underlying strategies of total quality management (TQM) for engineering education. Describes several tools and methods for the implementation of TQM and its suitability for a variety of school activities. Presents a TQM course outline combining lectures, discussions, suggested…

Examines the current status of existing curricula, accreditation requirements, and new developments in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering education in the United States. Discusses the emerging needs of the maritime industry in light of advances in information technology and movement toward risk-based, reliability-centered rule making in the…

James L. Oblinger, Chancellor of North Carolina State University, argues that higher education must continually evolve new methods of teaching and learning to support students' lifelong skills and impending careers. Part of ensuring students' success lies in finding alternative learning models, such as the Student-Centered Activities for Large…

Contending that present measures of student gains resulting from changed teaching methods are ineffective, the author proposes on "automated examining machine" that would enable students to monitor their own progress. This system would allow teachers to become friendly consultants instead of bosses or judges. (Author/WB)

Initiatives to integrate engineering design within the field of technology education are increasingly evident. The National Science Foundation has encouraged and funded opportunities for technology educators and engineers to work collaboratively. However, perspectives regarding the role engineering should play within the discipline of technology…

The greatest future impacts of the computer communications technology upon engineering education may exist in its capacity to manage total systems and to extend education beyond current campus borders. Computers can guide learners, professionals, and agencies in education to methods maximized to attain their goals. Sophisticated information…

Defends the existence of a synergy between research and education, which requires the acceptance of two principles: (1) education of engineers as the creation of a pro-innovation attitude; and (2) research as an open-minded compromising attitude with progress of valuable knowledge. Argues that research-oriented centers are better-prepared to boost…

The results of several studies of the humanities and social sciences in undergraduate engineering education are presented and discussed. The first chapter explains the value of humanities and social sciences coursework and describes briefly some of the obstacles confronting efforts to improve it. The second chapter summarizes the findings of two…