A New Framework For Academic Reform In Engineering Education

The national need for engineering education reform is widely recognized. Yet, engineering faculty find the challenges to engaging in engineering education research formidable. Perceptions of what constitutes scholarly activity in the face of promotion and tenure keep many talented and passionate engineering faculty from working in this field. However, changes in culture are occurring due to increased press for engineering education reform on many fronts and an increased availability of funding for engineering education research. The Schools of Engineering at Purdue University are proposing a new framework in which such faculty can thrive; they are evaluating the creation of programs to support engineering education. This presentation will address these issues and present for discussion a vision to legitimize, institutionalize, and advance the establishment of formal academic programs in engineering education. I. Engineering in the 21 st Century