(119a) Trends in Engineering Educational Research and Curriculum Reform

The Engineering Education and Centers Division in the Engineering Directorate of the National Science Foundation sponsors research aimed at increasing basic understanding of how students learn engineering, at attracting more students to engineering and how to craft curricula to enhance the educational experience of undergraduates. These programs are aimed at looking at ways to transform engineering education to meet the needs of the changing economy and society. Specifically, the types of projects funded look at how students learn problem solving, creativity and design, new methods for assessment and evaluation of how students learn engineering, and research that helps one understand how to attract a more talented and diverse student body. Projects funded and their results to date in chemical engineering education will be summarized.