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Session 1360

Diversity: The Role of International Students as the New Global Prerequisite

Hamid Y. Eydgahi, Saeid Y. Eidgahy Lima Technical College/Jefferson Community College

Abstract

A study completed by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education in July 1998, forecasts more diversity in high school graduates while other studies have shown that students learn more effectively working in teams than they do independently. A review of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Manufacturing Education Plan, clearly outlines integrative academic components in which the following emerging skills were identified: Personal attributes (values), communication and teamwork skills.

The new global climate in which we live, the rapid development and emergence of advanced technology, communication systems, and social and cultural diversity are all exhilarating opportunities for not only the students but also the educators. The continuing demand and search for teamwork, and multicultural diversity are at the heart of the emerging engineering curriculum. As the global economy, at a rapid rate continues to change, organizations are training their workforce on adaptability, communication and cultural diversity skills to become more successful. The role of international students and their cultural diversity and values has an important and central place in engineering education and their future.

The following topics will be explored: An analysis of identified needs, cultural diversity and values; The role of international students in cultural understanding; and Future needs.

An analysis of identified needs, cultural diversity and values:

The new millennium introduces challenging experiences for all students and educators including those in engineering. The multicultural environments of the global marketplace, continuing development of advanced technology, and communication systems will prompt more demanding and rewarding opportunities where industries and businesses are in need of graduates who could ensure economic development and enhanced competitiveness. Recent findings suggest that organizations make clear a desire for teamwork and self-skills above knowledge, degree classification, and reputation of the institution the graduate attended 1.

There is no question that advances in technology are changing the workforce, and the American engineers who no longer work independently, must change with it. Employers are looking for more quality-minded and customer-oriented employees who can complete multiple assignments

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Eydgahi, H. Y., & Eidgahy, S. Y. (1999, June), Diversity: The Role Of International Students As The New Global Prerequisite Paper presented at 1999 Annual Conference, Charlotte, North Carolina. 10.18260/1-2--7600