Foundations Article #1

Ted Sheehan

January 31, 2011

EDU 6550

Article 1

            The article I read dealt with a study conducted on high school students and the lack of interest these students exhibited when considering engineering as a major in college. The research briefly discussed three distinct challenges found in the field of engineering by Bahram Asiapandour, the researcher. Challenge 1 was the common perception of corporate America outsourcing its engineering services today. Challenge 2 was the misconception of engineering not being a socially responsible field. Lastly, Challenge 3 addressed the math issues faced by incoming freshman students, and the pronounced drop out rate of freshman engineering students. The research also addressed the low percentage of woman engineering students and the declining number of Hispanic engineering students. The research was conducted in Texas.

            Sixteen students participated in the study. Four students from grades 9-12 attended the camp. Females and Hispanics were targeted for the study, but the study was not limited them. The idea was to do a seven day engineering camp off campus and allow students to learn engineering basics in a place based atmosphere. Students were introduced to a variety of different hands on learning techniques as well as the latest in computer design technology. The students were broken down into groups and were awarded assignments. Each assignment dealt with bridge design in metropolitan areas. After seven days the students were to present the designs and their findings.

            The camp was an overwhelming success. Students enjoyed the collaboration, the design, the resources and the direction. The project results were impressive. Students’ abilities increased in design concepts and fundamental engineering. All students replied favorably to the camp. As far as higher education went, students were non-committal.

            I applaud Bahram’s intentions, which I believe were focused on introducing the world of engineering to high school students who might by his estimation avoid the world of engineering. By putting students in a setting like a camp, he was able to get non-traditional students to buy in on his concept. By making the exercises fun, collaborative and meaningful, he was able to get students attention.

Engineering by name and definition can be a daunting endeavor and concept. Engineering involves intuition, practicality, basic understanding of principles, and a whole lot of vision. I’m not sure if it gender related, and I’m certainly not sure if it is ethnicity related. I think Bahram’s hypothesis was biased both on gender and ethnicity. Engineering in general takes many different forms, from civil, to mechanical to computer. The notion that woman and Hispanics are not entering the field of Engineering seems too broad to involve just sixteen students from a local high school. However, I will say Bahram’s Dewian approach was admirable and progressive. Hands on learning is paramount to a good learning experience in my belief.  The assignments and tasks were fun for the students. The basic of a sound educational experience were evident, however the reason and the justification was off base in my opinion. The premise of the study was stereotypical in my estimation. I think the study should have opened its doors to those less interested in engineering by nature, and let the exposure dictate the outcome.

Asiabanpour, B. (2010). A Novel Outreach To High School Students By Teaching Them The Engineering Skills In A Project-Based Approach. Contemporary Issues in Education Research, 3(4), 1-11. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.