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The Role of Adjuncts In Teaching ASCE’s Body of Knowledge

Abstract

The National Research Council (NRC) published a report citing “serious concerns” with engineering graduates. This view is shared by the American Society of Civil Engineers’ (ASCE) Body of Knowledge (BOK) which has outlined several desired learning outcomes. To address these concerns, a two-semester senior design course was developed and taught by an adjunct faculty member at Rowan University. Student evaluations over the past several years consistently result in high scores when this course is taught by the adjunct. Therefore, it is believed that adjunct instructors’ practical experience and knowledge of day-to-day operations of engineering projects effectively supplements the traditional engineering curricula. It is further believed that the aforementioned “serious concerns” with engineering graduates are being addressed, while effectively integrating ASCE’s BOK.

Background

The National Research Council (NRC) published a report1 citing “serious concerns” with engineering graduates. It was suggested that graduates who do not understand “The Big Picture” may not be able to “provide safe, practical designs in a complex future.” This view is shared by the American Society of Civil Engineers’ (ASCE) Body of Knowledge (BOK)2 which has outlined several desired learning outcomes. The BOK indicates that “98 percent of students switching from engineering to another major cited poor teaching as a reason for their departure.”

Structural Engineer Magazine3 noted that current engineering education programs in the United States are broken and need to be fixed. Providing engineering students in the United States with an expanded education to meet the increasing body of knowledge requirements is a must, especially considering our highly competitive and expanding global marketplace.

The author has noted instances where graduate engineers appear to lack the ability to apply engineering judgment to their designs. While technically competent, some graduates rely too

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Maccariella, J. (2007, June), The Role Of Adjuncts In Teaching Asce’s Body Of Knowledge Paper presented at 2007 Annual Conference & Exposition, Honolulu, Hawaii. 10.18260/1-2--1516