Minors as a Means of Developing Technological and Engineering Literacy for Non-engineers

John Krupczak; Mani Mina; Robert J. Gustafson; James F. Young; Scott VanderStoep

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Conference: 2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Publication Date: June 10, 2012
Start Date: June 10, 2012
End Date: June 13, 2012
ISSN: 2153-5965
Conference Session: Technological Literacy and the Non-science College Student
Tagged Division: Technological and Engineering Literacy/Philosophy of Engineering
Page Count: 12
Page Numbers: 25.939.1 - 25.939.12
DOI: 10.18260/1-2--21696
Permanent URL: https://peer.asee.org/21696
Download Count: 397

Paper Authors

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John Krupczak Hope College

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John Krupczak is professor of engineering, Hope College, Holland, Mich.; CASEE Senior Fellow (2008-2010); Past Chair, ASEE Technological Literacy Division, and Past Chair, ASEE Liberal Education Division.

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Mani Mina Iowa State University

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Robert J. Gustafson Ohio State University

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Robert J. Gustafson, P.E., Ph.D., is Honda Professor for engineering education and Director of the Engineering Education Innovation Center in the College of Engineering and a professor of food, agricultural, and biological engineering at the Ohio State University. He has previously served at Ohio State as Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education and Student Services (1999-2008) and Department Chair of Food Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department (1987-1999).

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James F. Young P.E. Rice University

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Scott VanderStoep Hope College

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Scott VanderStoep is professor of psychology and Director of Campus Assessment.

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Abstract

Minors as a Means of Developing Technological and Engineering Literacy for Non‐Engineers While the integration of engineering concepts into a undergraduate education has long been promoted as desirable, the means to accomplish this integration have been limited. Work is underway which aims to develop minors or certificates to be offered by engineering departments as an approach to developing technological competence in non‐engineers. Minors or certificates provide a recognized credential deemed attractive by many students. A collaboration between w State University, x State University, y College, and z University is developing concepts and resources to support model engineering minors or certificates which can be adopted efficiently and widely within American higher education. This work is developing a set of Technological Literacy Outcomes for such a minor. These outcomes are similar in concept to the ABET a‐k outcomes that are used for engineering degrees, but are broader in scope and focus on developing broadly technologically literate and empowered citizens. A standard set of outcomes rather than a prescribed series of courses, will allow flexibility for each institution to develop minors or certificates that are best suited to its local conditions. Included in this work are examples of courses offered by engineering departments for non‐engineering students and descriptions of engineering literacy minor programs from a range of institutions. Results from surveys of non‐engineering students regarding factors influencing potential interest in engineering literacy minors or certificates will also be presented. Data obtained from potential employers regarding the perception of the value of engineering‐literacy certificates and minors will be discussed. Results of testing to determine gains in engineering‐related skills by non‐engineers will be reviewed.

Citation
Format

Krupczak, J., & Mina, M., & Gustafson, R. J., & Young, J. F., & VanderStoep, S. (2012, June), Minors as a Means of Developing Technological and Engineering Literacy for Non-engineers Paper presented at 2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, San Antonio, Texas. 10.18260/1-2--21696

TY  - CPAPER
AB  -  Minors as a Means of Developing Technological and Engineering Literacy for Non‐Engineers  While the integration of engineering concepts into a undergraduate education has long been promoted as desirable, the means to accomplish this integration have been limited.  Work is underway which aims to develop minors or certificates to be offered by engineering departments as an approach to developing technological competence in non‐engineers. Minors or certificates provide a recognized credential deemed attractive by many students.   A collaboration between w State University, x  State University,  y  College, and z University is developing concepts and resources to support model engineering minors or certificates which can be adopted efficiently and widely within American higher education.  This work is developing a set of Technological Literacy Outcomes for such a minor. These outcomes are similar in concept to the ABET a‐k outcomes that are used for engineering degrees, but are broader in scope and focus on developing broadly technologically literate and empowered citizens.  A standard set of outcomes rather than a prescribed series of courses, will allow flexibility for each institution to develop minors or certificates that are best suited to its local conditions.   Included in this work are examples of courses offered by engineering departments for non‐engineering students and descriptions of engineering literacy minor programs from a range of institutions.  Results from surveys of non‐engineering students regarding factors influencing potential interest in engineering literacy minors or certificates will also be presented.  Data obtained from potential employers regarding the perception of the value of engineering‐literacy certificates and minors will be discussed.  Results of testing to determine gains in engineering‐related skills by non‐engineers will be reviewed.  
AU  - John Krupczak
AU  - Mani Mina
AU  - Robert J. Gustafson
AU  - James F. Young P.E.
AU  - Scott VanderStoep
CY  - San Antonio, Texas
DA  - 2012/06/10
PB  - ASEE Conferences
TI  - Minors as a Means of Developing Technological and Engineering Literacy for Non-engineers
UR  - https://peer.asee.org/21696
DO  - 10.18260/1-2--21696
ER  -