Conference Session

FPD IX: Research on First-year Programs Part III

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Stanley M. Forman, Northeastern University; Susan F. Freeman, Northeastern University

Tagged Divisions

First-Year Programs

,undocumented values, ethics and beliefs they acquire while at school, that is, the lessons fromthe Unwritten Syllabus. These other skills, frequently described as soft skills, are often discussedby both teachers and human resource personnel for employers.7 This set of soft skills, such aspersonal accountability and greater work ethic, is not subject to defined teaching methods. Thereare clearly benefits to acquisition of these skills, but it has been a challenge to describe themethods and techniques used to achieve success in these skills and the list of these skills variesfrom source to source. The Unwritten Syllabus may encompass skills such as intellectualcuriosity, caring for others, ability to overcome obstacles and more. In addition, many of

Conference Session

FPD VIII: Crossing Bridges and Easing Transitions into the First Year

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

David Jones, University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Carmen R. Zafft, University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Evan T. Curtis, University of Nebraska, Lincoln

Tagged Divisions

First-Year Programs

Research and Practice, 21(3), 279–288.17. Wheatly, M., Klingbeil, N., Jang, B., Sehi, G., & Jones, R. (2007). Proceedings from ASEE Annual Conference ’07: Gateway into first-year STEM curricula: A community college/university collaboration promoting retention and articulation. Honolulu. HI.18. Cox, M.F., Berry, C.A., & Smith, K.A. (2009). Development of a leadership, policy, and change course for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics graduate students. Journal of STEM Education, 10(3-4), 9-16.19. Harris, K.S. & Rogers, G.E. (2008). Soft skills in the technology education classroom: What do students need? The Technology Teacher, 68(3), 19-24.20. Reave, L. (2004). Technical communication instruction in

Conference Session

FPD IX: Research on First-year Programs Part III

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Federica Robinson-Bryant, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Tagged Divisions

First-Year Programs

this study. The course is designed to introduce students to engineering and its manydisciplines. It leans heavily on communication, teamwork and technical skill through designtasks, computational analyses and research-based projects while also attesting to the importanceof crucial soft skills often unrecognized by young engineering students. Each section averaged27 students, with one student assistant assigned to each. All courses were taught by a singleinstructor using the group blog format within the Blackboard interface for the first half of thecourse only (approximately 8 weeks).3.2 ParticipantsStudents were generally first-year students enrolled in one of several engineering programsoffered at the University. Although specific majors vary

Conference Session

FPD V: Increasing Engagement and Motivation of First-year Students

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Carrie Robinson, Arizona State University; James Collofello, Arizona State University

Tagged Divisions

First-Year Programs

Program.All UGTAs are also enrolled in a one-credit FSE 294 course called “Engineering UndergraduateLearning Assistant.” The class is facilitated online by the executive coordinator and is offeredfor credit without a grade. From a logistical standpoint, enrolling all UGTAs in one courseimproves communication between the UGTAs and the Engineering Office of Academic andStudent Affairs, provides a communication forum in which all UGTAs can contribute andinteract with each other, and increases accountability of the UGTAs through the semester.Course assignments help to develop the students’ soft skills, promote reflection on their growththrough the semester, and provide a setting in which they are asked to articulate the real-worldexperiences in which

Conference Session

FPD VI: Presenting "All the Best" of the First-year Programs Division

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

S. Scott Moor, Indiana University-Purdue University, Fort Wayne

Tagged Divisions

First-Year Programs

materials and learning spaces that stimulate serious play. Page 25.845.1 c American Society for Engineering Education, 2012 Introducing Memo Writing and a Design Process with a Four-Week Simulator ProjectIntroductionFirst-year engineering courses often include design projects to help spark students’ interest andto introduce them to the broad range of issues engineers face. These projects introduce studentsto the many “soft skills” required of an engineer including judgment, idea generation,communication, planning and organization.This range of skills is difficult