History of Engineering Education
HISTORY OF ENGINEERING EDUCATION highlights pivotal moments in engineering education reform and change over the last century. Originally created for the 125th American Society of Engineering Education Annual Meeting, this 30-minute research-based presentation incorporates multimedia, live music, and professional actors as an engaging way to relay moments of historical significance and engage audiences in current, salient questions regarding national trends in modern engineering curricula.
Though historical in frame, the questions are contemporary. Participants are encouraged to reflect on how past reforms mirror ongoing conversations about curriculum design, accreditation standards, interdisciplinary learning, technological change, and the formation of professional identity.
Engineering faculty leave with practical strategies for:
- Reflecting on how historical reform movements shape present-day curriculum decisions
- Examining implicit values embedded in course design and assessment
- Balancing technical rigor with adaptability and innovation
- Engaging students in conversations about professional identity and responsibility
- Situating their teaching within broader national and disciplinary trends
- Facilitating dialogue about the future direction of engineering education
Students and emerging engineers gain opportunities to:
- Reflect on their evolving identity within the profession
- Consider the values that shape engineering practice
- Examine the relationship between technical expertise and societal impact
Example Audiences:
- ABET and accreditation conversations
- curriculum committee audiences
- engineering leadership retreats
- or mixed faculty–student symposia
Available in person and on Zoom.