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Session 1432

Quest for a perfect power engineering program

Peter Idowu

Pennsylvania State University - Harrisburg. 777 W. Harrisburg Pike, Middletown, PA 17057

Abstract

Following a prolonged decline in enrollment and interest in power engineering, educators have formulated a variety of responses they believe will stem the tide of woes that seem to have besieged the profession. The range of creative solutions proposed in many programs are centered around what power engineering curriculum should contain, how course materials should be delivered, and how to market (or promote) the program. This paper takes a critical look at a number of studies on curriculum development and learning in higher education. It examines the role that should be given to students’ conception about learning, instructors’ experience and teaching philosophies, and the impact of curriculum organization on students’ performance in the design and implementation of educational innovations. The best aspects of the new innovations in power engineering curriculum are then combined with other components that are deemed necessary to come up with what a model power engineering program should look like.

Introduction

Current Situation The steady decline in enrollment and interests in power engineering area has been noticed for a while, and has lead to a devotion of concerted efforts to address various factors that lie within the realm of control or practical intervention. A summary of observations and recommendations by a panel of international expert educators have been reported by Karady et al. 1. The current situation and needs in the field and in academia were clearly highlighted. There appears to be a recognized need for engineers with broader educational backgrounds in the new deregulated utility industry. In addition to general engineering knowledge, some breadth extending towards economics, management, and communication skills has become necessary. The environment imposes a need for flexibility by engineers, and preparedness for changing jobs and roles that may require learning new skills, and adapting to new environment. In academia several power engineering programs have been eliminated for lack of students’ interest. Students perceive the field as old fashioned and out of touch, as faculty commitment steadily declines. Many universities are left with aging power engineering faculty, very few of who have significant industrial experience. Also, power engineering faculty had difficulties with promotion owing to perception about the area and scarcity of research funds.

Proceedings of the 2003 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright @ 2003, American Society for Engineering Education

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Idowu, P. (2003, June), Quest For A Perfect Power Engineering Program Paper presented at 2003 Annual Conference, Nashville, Tennessee. 10.18260/1-2--12477