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Session 2460

Core Educational Competencies and A Systems Response Saeid Y. Eidgahy, Ph.D., San Diego Mesa College

Abstract

Many different ideas and concepts in educational reform have been studied and discussed throughout the past two decades. Engineering education, in particular, is undergoing major transformation under the new EC2000. Quality concepts are increasingly entering the culture of colleges and accreditation agencies now consider outcomes assessment to be of the highest importance. These are all important developments for engineering educators, but what is missing is a link among the many valuable, but disconnected, ideas and activities. This paper presents a unified approach in that core or basic competencies are carefully discussed and analyzed. A second component of the paper will then present the necessary components of a systems response to the achievement of competencies.

The author will present a discussion in the following segments: 1) Base competencies; 2) General competencies for engineering education; 3) Paradigm shift on program evolution; and 4) Systems approach to educational transformation.

This paper is not intended to provide definitive answers to today’s reform demands, but rather construct the necessary parameters for a systems method of responding to educational change. As such, this paper will provide useful tools for practitioners.

Base Competencies

Educational institutions and business and industry enterprises need to cooperate on the preparation of students for entering complex occupations of today’s information economy. Since educators and business representatives often speak varying languages in terms of needs and how to prepare for them, there is a strong desire to find a common set of concepts that are understandable and operational by both sides. As our economy and newly created jobs require more competency-based education than ever before, this has become increasingly a critical link. Four basic concepts may serve as a foundation for such common approach to education: self-management, communication, management of people and tasks and taking advantage of creativity, change and innovation1.

Self-management refers to a constant effort in developing personal practices that enhance a person’s skills in dealing with the uncertainty of change. Most of what our students

“Proceedings of the 2001 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright 2001, American Society for Engineering Education”

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Eidgahy, S. Y. (2001, June), Core Educational Competencies And A Systems Response Paper presented at 2001 Annual Conference, Albuquerque, New Mexico. 10.18260/1-2--9046