Paper Authors

Abstract

NOTE: The first page of text has been automatically extracted and included below in lieu of an abstract

Problems and Solutions in Internationalizing Capstone Design

Yuyi Lin, Donald Harby Dong Jang Zhonghe Ye

University of Missouri Seoul National Fuzhou University Columbia, MO 65211 University of China LinY@missouri.edu Technology, Korea

Abstract

ABET is authoritative in US. However, engineers who graduate from an ABET accredited curriculum may not meet expectations in a global environment such as working in an Asian country. Through discussion with collaborating faculty members in 2-year and 4-year US colleges, and in two Asian universities, this paper first attempts to recognize the strengths and differences of engineering curriculums in different countries in teaching capstone design. It is found that a typical US 4-year engineering curriculum trains engineers in a more broad-base, applied science direction, and its Asian counter part focuses more on specialized and pragmatic training. Analyzing the differences and learning from each other's strengths in an effort to internationalize the teaching of capstone design, it is hoped that students trained in different countries will be more adaptable to a global working environment.

Introduction

The main purpose of this paper is to improve teaching of mechanical engineering in higher education, and to train future engineers that are more competitive and adaptable to global working environment. The approach is through discussion and communication, to recognize the current and different practice in different institutions, to identify the strength and desirable practice, and to develop commonly used tools and materials for better and more effective teaching.

It seems reasonable to start the discussion from the educational objectives of engineering curriculum. In preparation for an upcoming ABET review, the following are the educational objectives established by University of Missouri-Columbia, which should be representative for US engineering schools: 1. Students are able to apply the analytical, experimental, and computational techniques to solve engineering problems associated with the design and manufacture of devices, machines and systems; 2. Students are able to synthesize and analyze integrated thermal/fluid and mechanical systems; 3. Students are able to communicate effectively and work collaboratively on multidisciplinary teams; 4. Students contribute to society and the profession through professional activities, and understand the impact of engineering solutions on a diverse and global society and their

Proceedings of the 2005 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright © 2005, American Society for Engineering Education

• Citation

• Format
  • APA
  • APA - LaTeX bibitem
  • MLA
  • MLA - LaTeX bibitem
  • Bibtex
  • EndNote - RIS

Harby, D., & Lin, Y. (2005, June), Problems And Solutions In Internationalizing Capstone Design Paper presented at 2005 Annual Conference, Portland, Oregon. 10.18260/1-2--15091