How “messing around” informs problem-solving for engineers

How “messing around” informs problem-solving for budding engineers

News contact: Laura Hancock | University Advancement
541-962-3585 | lhancock@eou.edu

April 22, 2013
LA GRANDE, Ore. (EOU) – Carol Lauritzen, Ph.D., professor of education, looks inside the minds of engineers for the next colloquium Thursday, April 25 at EOU.

Lauritzen’s research poses the following questions: What are students learning about engineering, a new requirement in the K-12 curriculum; and if teachers haven’t been prepared in the principles of engineering, how can they give students an accurate portrayal of this discipline?

For insights into these questions, engineers were interviewed about the essential nature of engineering and how they came to pursue the career. The engineers provided specific descriptions of their discipline and also took informed positions about the appropriate experiences for K-12 students. They found “messing around” to be essential for budding engineers. The results of the interviews provide new insights into the early experiences that can lead students into careers in engineering.

Lauritzen’s presentation begins at 4 p.m. in Ackerman Hall, Room 210. It is free and open to the public. A reception with question and answer session will follow.

A list of related resources provided by EOU’s Pierce Library is available for more in-depth information on this topic. Visit http://library.eou.edu/colloquium. To be added to the colloquium mailing list call 541-962-3508.