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U N I V E R S I T Y O F P I T T S B U R G H |
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Volume XI, No. 3 |
March 2006 |
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U N I V E R S I T Y O F P I T T S B U R G H |
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Volume XI, No. 3 |
March 2006 |
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Discussion and Contemporary Issues Promote Appreciation for Lifelong Learning
By Kim LaScola Needy, Industrial Engineering
Engineering is a highly technical field with a rapid turnover of the body of knowledge. So in addition to seeking the students’ mastery of the course material, another primary objective is to instill in the students an appreciation for lifelong learning. Lifelong learning is emphasized throughout Engineering Management, a required course for industrial engineering seniors, covering modern engineering management theory as it applies to technical organizations. Because this course contains a significant amount of discussion, students are asked to make a commitment to attend class and participate in the discussion by sharing their related experiences. For example, during the discussion on planning , we study how organizations develop a vision, mission, objectives, goals, strategies, and projects to support their strategic plan. In class we examine the strategic plans of several organizations and then, for a homework assignment, the students select a company of interest and analyze its strategic plan. As an extension to this exercise, students are challenged to reflect upon how strategic planning is critical for them personally. Specifically, students are asked to develop a personal mission statement and a five-year strategic plan. Their strategic plans must contain not only career-based, but also personal-based objectives and goals. This assignment requires students to ask themselves questions such as, “How will I maintain my technical skills and keep abreast of changing technology if I wish to advance in my career?” Assessment of this assignment examines the depth, breadth, and, specifically, attention to lifelong learning of each student’s plan. Lifelong learning is also discussed explicitly in one of the class sessions on achieving effectiveness as an engineer . A group, in-class exercise asks students to brainstorm how they will stay technically competent in engineering and the importance of active professional society involvement. Another approach used to show the importance of lifelong learning is incorporating contemporary issues into the classroom. Contemporary issues are introduced from the trade press such as the Wall Street Journal , Business Week , and the local newspaper. From an engineering management perspective, the world almost acts as our laboratory for exploration of the course material, and the students learn that engineering management can be applied in any number of settings. For example, in the fall 2005 semester, we discussed the engineering management and project management aspects associated with the rebuilding efforts to the U.S. Gulf Coast region after Hurricane Katrina. This exercise also provokes the engineering students to consider the impact of engineering solutions in a societal context. In summary, by carefully designing the course homework assignments, projects, in-class exercises, discussions, and case studies we not only provide an effective learning environment, but also convey the importance of lifelong learning along with consideration of societal implications and contemporary issues critical for solving complex engineering problems. As educators, if we can provide our graduates with the foundation and tools for lifelong learning, then we can help to ensure that they will have bright and rewarding careers.
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A newsletter devoted to the support of teaching and learning at the University of Pittsburgh |
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