About Student Observations Over The Last 25 Years
| Authors | Graff, R. William; Leiffer, Paul |
|---|---|
| Date | 2005 |
| Conference | 2005 Annual Conference |
| Vol / Pages | pp. 10.1156.1-10.1156.14 |
| URL | https://peer.asee.org/student-observations-over-the-last-25-years |
Type: Conference Paper
Abstract
Most engineering faculty who have taught for over ten years have raised a question at some point: “Is it me, or have students changed since I began teaching?” Using input from university statistics, faculty, staff, and student surveys, published literature, and course grade records over twenty-five years, the authors have identified twelve trends and observations regarding current students that impact student success and preparation for engineering careers. While many of these trends are positive and should be encouraged, a few are disturbing and should be addressed. Among the positive areas are: an increased awareness of the nature of engineering, ability to work in groups, acceptance of other students, familiarity with computers, and an increase in women engineering students. At the same time we find, in many students, a shorter attention span, less previous hands-on experience, and a tendency to expect high grades without much effort (being familiar with the grade inflation tendencies of high school.) The number of distractions (stereo, MP-3 player, cable TV, internet gaming and surfing in the dorm room) have increased, and the opportunities for high-tech cheating have multiplied. Societal trends, generational trends, higher education trends, and high school preparation all enter as shaping factors for our incoming students. As instructors and advisors we want to help make this generation of students the best that they can be.