A study was conducted on the views of the nature of engineering held by 114 first-year engineering majors; the study built on prior work on views of the nature of science held by students, their instructors, and the general public. Open-coding analysis of responses to a 12-item questionnaire suggested that the participants held tacit beliefs that…

In this paper I argue that volitional aspects, i.e. ethos, attitude, pathos, will, underlying emotion, in engineering action need to be addressed when teaching social responsibility within the engineering curriculum. After presenting reasons for this claim, I look at two different, but not mutually exclusive, approaches to address volitional…

The quest for engineers during the past boom and predictions of future shortages have focused attention on the low enrolment figures in science and technology (S&T) subjects. Normally, it is assumed that young people shy away from "tough majors" or make irrational choices, based on an absence of information. While not denying the…

Teaching engineering studies students about diversity issues as part of the curriculum in engineering programs is an essential part of preparing the students for their professional life. By teaching them what this is and what it means for their (professional) lives sensitises them towards more responsibility. The idea is to connect diversity…

With the rapid progress of modern civilization, creativity and innovation within a techno-economic perspective are becoming the major driving forces behind the sustainability of economic growth and competitive achievements. The current paper will focus on developing a clear concept of the terms creativity and innovation, and investigate their…

Examines the role of engineers and their responsibilities in society, especially after the events of September 11, 2001. Suggests the need for a renaissance in engineering education and recommends cultivating a new generation of renaissance engineers based on the recognition of individual talent and customizing education accordingly. (Author/YDS)

In a world sustained and interconnected by technology, people make choices. Therefore, they have to consider that technology is subject to analysis and interpretation because it is designed by humans with varied histories, experiences and cultures. To generate an understanding of the technological phenomenon, this article proposes to view the…

Summarizes the demands from industry that engineers of the future will have to meet and relates them to characteristics of modern training methods. A new view on the content of the engineer's education implies a new set of educational tools. (Author/MM)

In the present paper we question how engineering education (and engineering) can support greater participation and inclusiveness in decision making and science and technology. We consider the work "relating" to engineering and society that is conducted by the scholars of science and technology studies, but which is rarely read or considered by the…

It is a long and winding road from invention to innovation. Starting from this observation, this paper presents a historical perspective on the capabilities engineers should possess to do their work. The importance of the "communicative competence" involved in creating a social base for innovation is underpinned. We will present a…

Describes pedagogical and profession-oriented motivations as well as science and society-related aspects of project orientation and project-organized curricula in higher education. Argues that staff and faculties will need to establish a continuous process of organizational development in order to overcome obvious problems and constraints of the…

Explains that engineering education is in search of a new rationale because of changes wrought by social concerns for the environment at both the local and global levels. Argues that the changes needed are too fundamental and the rate of change too great to be dealt with adequately by adaptation. (DDR)

Outlined are the activities of the Engineering Council in the United Kingdom, including national system for engineering, salary survey, and management and business skills report. (YP)

Traces the economic growth of embedded software in industrial products and explains that there is a shortage of engineers in this field. Proposes a different view of engineering education. (DDR)

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)