power engineering to the University ofStrathclyde in the U.K. during summer to engage in research projects and research-relatedactivities. We discuss the program need, logistics, design, and evaluation results. Each year, sixnew students participate in the program; they are selected via a nation-wide competition. Ourprimary motivation for this program is to provide students with experience in internationalresearch and help prepare the next generation of U.S. competitive STEM workforce capable ofinnovation. Moreover, the students will develop soft skills such as teamwork, oral and writtencommunication, and time management. Since the operating parameters of the electric grid (e.g.,frequency and voltage levels) are different in Europe from those
prepare them for their shadowing experiences. Trainingincluded sessions on professional soft skills, shadowing procedures, and resume building.Additionally, the program team created a short video for those co-op/intern students who wouldbe shadowed students to watch ahead of their experiences.During Fall 2018 and Spring 2019, the 59 students assigned to the intervention group completeda total of 197 shadowing experiences at 65 different employers. Seven employers hostedshadowing students during both fall and spring semesters. The number of shadowing experiencesranged from 1 - 7, with a mean of 3.54. The variation in the number of experiences was mostlydue to scheduling constraints.Table 1. Demographic characteristics of intervention and
immediate benefit of their solutions. The presence and mentoring of the Fall 2017 Mid-Atlantic ASEE Conference, October 6-7 – Penn State BerksPenn State students was instrumental to the success of the projects. The final solutions wereshowcased in an evening event at Penn State Berks, to which parents, teachers, andadministrators were invited. At this event, students presented the process and products, whichneatly tied up the entire program by having them demonstrate not only the technical aspects oftheir work, but also the soft skills required in the engineering profession.Evaluation and OutcomesBecause this was a sustained program conducted over a period of time, the students were able toexplore STEM long-term. The importance of this
) students were not introduced toalgorithmic assessment. We are exploring the correlation design until upper-division courses, and (iv) we needed tobetween this logical-thinking test and student success, and attract and retain undecided and traditionally under-also improvement in students’ logic ability as evidenced represented groups of students. The overall goals were toby pre- and post-test comparisons. include project design and teamwork experience, introduce programming earlier, stress “soft skills” such asIndex Terms - electrical engineering, mentors, problem- communication, ethics and student success, and to
. Robbins, et al. identified three engineering organization meeting and encouraged to choosepredictors of college success: traditional predictors that one of the 30 in which to become involved. The College ofinclude academic ability and achievement, demographic Engineering also sponsors a professional development seriespredictors, and psychosocial predictors. [1] It is the third that covers topics to help students develop “soft skills.” Somecategory that is the most changeable, and therefore the focus of these topics include diverse career paths, leadership,of Krumrei-Mancuso, et al.’s study. [2] They identified six finding mentors on the job, finding leadership opportunitiespsychosocial factors
opportunity to develop and measure a number of professional skills,including communication and teamwork25,26. These abilities are often called “soft skills”although some engineering educators would rather they be called “the missing basics”, becausethey are essential for students to become successful engineers27.One team has developed measures for how well students can demonstrate contextualcompetence28, defined as “an engineer’s ability to anticipate and understand the constraints andimpacts of social, cultural, environmental, political, and other contexts on engineeringsolutions”29. This work goes beyond simple notions about transferring learning from one contextto the next, and defines the broader arena in which engineers work. The focus on
workshops and mock job fairs, students learn soft skills, corporate culture, resume writing, and interviewing skills.• Industry Advisory partnerships. Local MESA advisory boards offer valuable connections between students and industry leaders. Corporate representatives, including MESA alumni, participate on boards and provide scholarships, strategic planning, summer internships, field trips, scholarships, employment opportunities, and other resources.• Dedicated MESA director. Participating colleges receive funding to hire a full-time administrative director to coordinate MESA activities or provide significant resources for faculty “buy-out” time. Directors have expertise in STEM coursework and
division.We coded each paper using the coding scheme from our original work [1-4] (Table 1). However,we omitted one category, soft skills, because very few papers included it as a goal, even in theoriginal review (and none of those reported results related to soft skills). Multiple coders wereassigned to several papers and we discussed any disagreements, per recommendations forqualitative analysis [5]. The coding scheme categorizes papers based on their goals, the data andanalysis detailed, and the outcomes achieved. We identified 76 papers and proceedings withinterpretable results (see Appendix). We then synthesized findings and gaps from the recent timeperiod.Table 1. Coding scheme Code
. While this course uses active learning approaches and team projects, the scope of theircontents distinguish them from similar courses that seek to achieve improved graduation andretention rates. For instance, in this course, soft skills such as technical writing, use of Excel,developing an individual academic plan of study, cooperative education, internships, culturaldiversity, quality, safety, and ethics are covered. Basic technical skills covered include math,mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering technology. The rationale for this course is toexpose students to these subjects and topics before they enroll in core engineering technologycourses such as applied statics.Assessment of learning:While the author plans to conduct this
in the context of project-based learning (PBL). When properlyimplemented, PBL can greatly increase the sense of engagement among students, while alsoimproving retention of course concepts and the development of related soft skills[5].Incorporation of PBL techniques has been successfully demonstrated for a wide variety ofprojects and settings in thermal and fluid engineering courses, including the design of abrewery[6], HVAC equipment[7], and thermal insulation devices[8]. In addition, the inclusion of“real-world” clients has been shown to have positive impacts on student engagement in courseprojects[9].The course had been taught in a traditional lecture format in the previous year (Fall 2015). Theintent for 2016 was to restructure the course
/science.1240487Granello, D. H. (2016) Campus Suicide Prevention REACH Training Program, [PowerPoint Slides].Itani, M., Srour, I. (2015). Engineering Students’ Perceptions of Soft skills, Industry Expectations, and Career Aspirations. Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice. DOI:10.1061/(ASCE)EI.1943-5541.0000247.Lee, D., Olson, E. A., Locke, B. Michelson S. T. & Odes E (June 2009). The Effects of College Counseling Services on Academic Performance and Retention. Journal of College Student Development, Volume 50, Number 3, pp. 305-319. https://muse.jhu.edu/article/265820/pdfLongfield, A., Romas, J., & Irwin, J. D. (2006). The Self-Worth, Physical and Social Activities
college studentdevelopment and on eliciting much interest from the K-12 students and teachers. The EAPparticipants have expressed gains in soft skills, confidence in abilities to succeed in engineering,and an increase in the self-perception as skilled leaders [5]. As the ambassadors engage oncarrying out the critical mission of serving the EAP, they develop the necessary communication skillsand technical competencies for presentations and mentoring activities. This engagement and skilldevelopment increase the interest and confidence in STEM education, especially during the earlyyears of undergraduate education through the exposure to engineering challenges that show thereal-world relevance of science and engineering. Also, through mentoring in
determining if a revision is warranted at this time. The summaryfindings for each question are as follows: (1) Do the reviewed sources affirm aspects of the ASCE BOK2? The majority of the sources either directly or indirectly affirm various aspects of the BOK2. Sources specific to engineering appear to support many of the premises and outcomes identified in the BOK2. Some sources are silent on some of the “soft skill outcomes” of the BOK2, with one example being humanities. Overall, the committee felt the sources reviewed affirmed most aspects of the BOK2. (2) Do the reviewed sources suggest things that may need to be revised or clarified in the BOK? Several of the reviewed sources did support the need for
project. They had to manage their timeeffectively to meet tight project deadlines. They also commented that they would not have beenable to complete this project unless they had to rely on the strengths of each team member andsupport one another. Finally, students felt that the weekly project status updates and variousreports and presentations required by the class helped them improve their technical writing andpresentation skills.IV. ConclusionThroughout this project students demonstrated the skills they have learned throughout their studies.By successfully completing the objectives of this project, students demonstrated competencies(technical as well as soft skills) in the field of instrumentation and control systems engineering.This senior
mechanics, installers, and repairers. And,given the strength of the polymer and chemical industries in the Midwest, focus groupparticipants called attention to the importance of workers with process engineering skills. Ingeneral, manufacturers also revealed concerns over a broader base of engineering-relatedoccupations and concerns over basic workforce readiness skills at a time when top-tierengineering schools have largely veered away from engineering technology or appliedengineering programs.At the same time, manufacturers demand workers who not only demonstrate prowess in technicalskills but also exhibit interpersonal aptitude and other soft skills [3]. More and more, atriumvirate of skills, mobility, and leadership will be seen as critical in
learning,reflection, and peer-to-peer instruction. PLTL was originally developed to focus on teachingtechnical skills [2], but, in our initiative, it was modified to teach soft skills, such as teamwork,leadership, effective communication, among others. Peer leaders were selected among volunteerstudents.A program for LIATS was recently established in the College of Engineering to address thedifferences between the performance of low-income students when compared with the generalengineering population. A cohort of ninety-two (92) students, ranging from 1st. to 3rd. year ofstudy participate in the program. The purpose of this program is to increase retention andimprove graduation rates of students from economically disadvantaged communities as well
Technology Processes I Calculus for Engineering Engineering Engineering Graphics 2 Technology 1 Graphics 1 Calculus for Engineering Electrical Circuits 1 Physics 2 Technology 2We also negotiated with the respective colleges to offer special sections of physics,engineering fundamentals, Excel and chemistry to engineering technology students.The extent of the adaptation ranged from changing a final assignment to offering anentire section geared toward engineering technology students.In addition to math, science, and engineering, ABET requires that students accomplish“soft” skills upon graduation so that they have the ability and understanding to do thefollowing: work as a member of a team, communicate in
forced them to manage their time better tomeet deadlines. “practicing being clear and concise while meeting time goals/constraints."II: Outreach and Engineering Skills and KnowledgeAside from its influence on social skills, students indicated that outreach helped them polish theirunderstanding of Engineering concepts and forced them to enhance their presentation skills. "Outreach not only helps cement what I already know but also builds soft skills that can also be applied to classes and life. Outreach helped me get my foot in the door for my internship." "Outreach broaden my horizons and helped me to better understand some tough topics."III: Outreach and STEMUpon establishing the outreach event, one of the primary
(Babury & Hayward, 2014). The challenges and progress made on some of the specific parts ofthe National Strategic Plan are discussed in the following subsections.2.1.1 Quality Assurance and Accreditation:Babury, Deputy Minister of Academic Affairs in the Afghan MoHE, and Hayward (2014)indicated that according to the World Bank, recent research that outlined the significance ofquality university education together with the need for soft skills for the national developmentrecommended the following: “University graduates need to emerge from the university system with the academic knowledge, technical competence and soft skills that make them employable in both private and public sector institutions. Hence, it is important that
project using a Finch12 robot was assigned. With similarprojects reporting frustration among students when the robot used has to be assembled by thestudents6, the Finch robot was chosen for its advantage of being already assembled, withoutmultiple parts that can be lost or damaged. The Finch enables students to focus on the softwaredesign rather than constructing the physical robotic device.Objectives of the project assignment were presented to students at the beginning of the project.In addition to exposing students to programming and critical thinking, soft skills experience wasalso a goal. The project objectives were presented to students as follows: building skills that enable effective teamwork, working with loose
regional qualifier two years in a row (FTC 2016).By collegiate students being near-peer mentors to high school students, we are not onlyempowering the Jr. Chapter member in how to succeed in their near future, but also anopportunity for the collegiate student to share best practices in: university applications, financialaid, housing, apartment search, major selection, etc.Chapter DevelopmentThe Jr. Chapter members besides being leaders in their school and communities, they also havecreative ways to have fun while at the same time doing proactive learning. They engagethemselves in social activities, fundraisers, and soft skills event to develop that social interactionneeded to lead and be a role model. This is the best way for them to practice how
oftechnical content. In CSU’s SE curriculum, the student is expected to develop deep expertise incomplicated and mathematical subjects (defined in the INCOSE SE Handbook as technicalprocesses), as well as in qualitative analysis and soft-skills (defined in the INCOSE SEHandbook as project, enterprise, and agreement processes)16. Research indicates that inmathematical disciplines, teaching activities are more focused and instructive, with the primaryemphasis being on the teacher informing the student. In contrast, teaching and learning activitiesin “soft” disciplines tend to be more constructive, and reflective17,18,19. We had hypothesized thatthis effect would realize itself in the SE program in that more technical process-derived courseswould have
for implementing this support: A student from a previous year that demonstrates goodacademic performance is available to support the freshman student. This aid basically consists ofa resolution of exercises and concept enforcement.Challenges and needs: The academic performance of students is not the only requisite, as alsostudents with good soft skills are required. It is important that the student support schedule isreadily available when help for the freshman student is needed. The results show that the bestpractice was attained when there was strongly disseminated support among students.Technical StaffCharacteristics: Weekly teaching service - answering questions / performing exercises5.Steps for implementing technical staff support: an
, standardized acrossa curriculum to give meaningful and representative results, and the assessment of which can thenbecome an input to an institution‟s continuous improvement process. True measurement ofstudent learning is the goal.An additional and somewhat unique feature of assessment is the means by which competencieswithin technology-based and hands-on courses, such as group design and technology laboratoriesare defined and measured. For these types of courses, solid rubrics and well-defined outcomesinvolving both hard and soft skills must be predetermined and then measured.Assessment RequirementsThe influence of accreditors on assessment and continuous improvement efforts is apparentwithin many institutions. At Rowan College at Burlington County
the University of Calgary to train, develop, and cultivate soft-skill teamwork competencies in order to equip graduates with strong interpersonal and communication capabilities.Dr. Kartikeya Murari, University of Calgary Kartik is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Uni- versity of Calgary. His research interests are in electrical and optical instrumentation and techniques for biomedical applications. He teaches undergraduate and graduate classes and is interested in ways to better prepare students for real-life learning and professional situations. c American Society for Engineering Education, 2016 Team Membership Change and the
study usedtheir reflection as an opportunity to suggest improvements for WIC, present ideas for futurechallenges or express personal preference for one type of WIC competition over another. The author’s personal skills at communication in a team environment also potentiallybiased the analysis process.References[1] Robles, Marcel M. (2012). Executive Perceptions of the Top 10 Soft Skills Needed in Today’s Workplace. Business and Professional Communication Quarterly December 2012 vol. 75 no. 4 453- 465[2] ABET (2015) Criteria for Accrediting Engineering Programs 2015 – 2016. General Criterion 3. Student Outcomes. Retrieved from: http://www.abet.org/eac-criteria-2015-2016/[3] Association of American Colleges &
, “Engineers Learn ‘Soft Skills the Hard Way’: Planting a Seed of Leadership in Engineering Classes,” Leadership and Management in Engineering, vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 18–24, 2007.[2] P. Galloway, “Engineering Education Reform,” in The 21st-Century Engineer: A Proposal for Engineering Education Reform, American Society of Civil Engineers, 2007, pp. 46–51.[3] B. Ahn, M. F. Cox, J. London, O. Cekic, and J. Zhu, “Creating an Instrument to Measure Leadership, Change, and Synthesis in Engineering Undergraduates,” Journal of Engineering Education, vol. 103, no. 1, pp. 115–136, Jan. 2014.[4] S. S. K. W. Fakeh, M. S. Shahibi, A. Jamaludin, M. R. Rahim, J. Paiman, and Z. Ibrahim, “Understanding Leadership Values Among Under Graduate Students in UITM
instructional landscape foster possibilities forconnection and collaboration that the traditional classroom precludes, as a wider network existsbeyond the brick and mortar classroom. The Accelerate curriculum enhances these possibilitiesby relying on a broad-based philosophy of course integration that obfuscates abiding distinctionsbetween “hard” and “soft” skills, blends liberal and technical subjects, and—perhaps, mostimportantly—combines a range of populations, talents, and experiences to produce the nextgeneration of engineers. At the heart of the program lie six conceptual strands, or “grandthemes.” Developed in the fall semester of 2014 by Accelerate faculty and administrators, thesethemes reflect and inform the overall mission of integration
conclusion that engineeringmajors engagement in internships and co-ops produce significant learninggains in terms of problem-solving, communication, and learning more aboutwork.Insights from one-on-one interviews support these conclusions using storiesshared by students themselves. Clearly, engaging URM engineering majors ininternships and co-ops is one way to facilitate learning in core areas (e.g.,problem-solving), soft skills (e.g., working on a team), and career learning.From internships students learn how to communicate professionally, skillsfor managing time and prioritizing tasks, and technical skills such as CADdesign, computer programming, and management/leadership.Much more needs to be done to educate students about engineering as
assisted in changing the current UNIV 1301 course from a teacherdominated instruction and philosophy course to a more student learning centered,engaging, hands-on, engineering problem solving course that improved student-facultyinteraction and student motivation. Although some basic manufacturing technologies werebe used to build products, a majority of the course included hands-on activities aimed atimproving understanding of the ‘Engineering Design Process’ as part of a semester longteam project. In demand soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and inter-disciplinary engagement were highlighted and encouraged.In this paper some of the tools utilized to assist in the redesign of the ‘Foundations ofEngineering’ course are detailed below:1