{"title":"‘Treading the no woman’s land’: the gender-STEM dynamics in higher education in premier institutions of India","authors":"S. Maji, Sharmili Mitra, M. Asthana","doi":"10.1080/03043797.2023.2168518","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/03043797.2023.2168518","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT\u0000 The gender dimension of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) has intrigued social scientists for a long time. Although in India, women’s entry to STEM higher education has been improving over the last few decades, the reality of premier institutions remains broadly unaltered. The current qualitative research was an attempt: (a) to explore the career-selection-related decision-making, (b) to detect whether gendered processes are evident in STEM research laboratories, and (c) to explore the psychological effects of gendered processes among female doctoral/postdoctoral researchers. This qualitative study relied on in-depth interviews with twenty female STEM academics pursuing doctoral or postdoctoral research in ten premier Indian institutions. A hybrid of theoretical and inductive thematic analysis has been used to analyse the qualitative data. The results revealed that the combination of individual (interest and self-efficacy) and contextual factors (parental support and role models) had impacted the researchers’ decision to select and pursue higher studies in STEM. Furthermore, the current research shows that higher studies in STEM are characterised by the four defining features of gendering, i.e., gendered division of labour, gendered symbols, gendered identity, and gendered interactions (Acker, 1990). Gendering in STEM has led to self-doubt and diminished sense of belonging among the researchers.","PeriodicalId":47348,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Engineering Education","volume":"48 1","pages":"422 - 447"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2023-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46867992","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ariadna Llorens, Joana Prat, Katarina Pažur Aničić
{"title":"What Spanish ICT employers want: before and a decade after the introduction of the EHEA","authors":"Ariadna Llorens, Joana Prat, Katarina Pažur Aničić","doi":"10.1080/03043797.2022.2162861","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/03043797.2022.2162861","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT This paper analyses the effect that the fulfilment of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) has got among engineers in the information and communication technologies (ICT) sector. The focus is on Spain, and the comparison of the technical and managerial knowledge and skills most demanded by the sector in 2008 and 2018, coinciding with the first decade of the EHEA. The study also examines whether the professional skills acquired by university students are consistent with those required in the job market. The following question is answered: Are ICT students adequately trained a decade after the introduction of the EHEA? An empirical study was carried out on the basis of a cross-section of Spanish ICT sector enterprises. The results reveal a gap between employer expectations and the skills acquired by students. Policy and practice performance is also discussed.","PeriodicalId":47348,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Engineering Education","volume":"48 1","pages":"407 - 421"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2023-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47810167","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A. Behera, Ricardo Alves de Sousa, V. Oleksik, Jingyan Dong, D. Fritzen
{"title":"Student perceptions of remote learning transitions in engineering disciplines during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-national study","authors":"A. Behera, Ricardo Alves de Sousa, V. Oleksik, Jingyan Dong, D. Fritzen","doi":"10.1080/03043797.2022.2080529","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/03043797.2022.2080529","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT This study captures student perceptions of the effectiveness of remote learning and assessment in two associated engineering disciplines, mechanical and industrial, during the COVID-19 pandemic in a cross-national study. A structured questionnaire with 24 items on a 5-point Likert scale was used. Parallel and exploratory factor analyses identified three primary subscales. The links between student perceptions and assessment outcomes were also studied. There was a clear preference for face-to-face teaching, with the highest for laboratories. Remote live lectures were preferred over recorded. Although students found the switch to remote learning helpful, group work and communication were highlighted as concern areas. Mean scores on subscales indicate a low preference for remote learning (2.23), modest delivery effectiveness (3.05) and effective digital delivery tools (3.61). Gender effects were found significant on all subscales, along with significant interactions with university and year-group. Preference for remote delivery of design-based modules was significantly higher than others.","PeriodicalId":47348,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Engineering Education","volume":"48 1","pages":"110 - 142"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2023-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45805500","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The retention of information in virtual reality based engineering simulations","authors":"J. Motejlek, E. Alpay","doi":"10.1080/03043797.2022.2160968","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/03043797.2022.2160968","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT The use of VR in engineering education provides a means for contextualising learning through authentic and engaging scenarios, e.g. the touring and operation of a chemical plant. This paper presents the design of an immersive VR simulation of an existing pilot plant in the School and its evaluation through a randomised non-inferiority trial to test student learning compared to a more traditional learning medium. Specifically, the study evaluates information retention (i.e. memory and understanding) when using the VR simulation and compares this to information retention when presented as a multimedia instructional video. Student self-efficacy in plant operation and design (e.g. equipment function and operation), as well as engagement in the learning activity, are also evaluated. The results indicate that both the VR and multimedia-based activities lead to comparable data retention and student self-efficacy. Moreover, students enjoyed the VR experience and welcomed the addition of the resource to their educational materials.","PeriodicalId":47348,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Engineering Education","volume":"48 1","pages":"929 - 948"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2023-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43649450","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Using voluntary laboratory simulations as preparatory tasks to improve conceptual knowledge and engagement","authors":"P. Coleman, Anesa Hosein","doi":"10.1080/03043797.2022.2160969","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/03043797.2022.2160969","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Laboratory tasks often focus on mechanical procedures leaving limited time and opportunities for students to build conceptual knowledge. We investigate to what extent introducing simulation tasks to preparation work can enable students to build their conceptual knowledge. We surveyed two cohorts of students taking an electronics module. Laboratory report marks were also analysed across the two cohorts (before and after introducing simulations in the laboratory preparation). No significant difference was found between the cohorts but the maximum marks increased after simulations were introduced. Students perceived that using simulations aided their constructive knowledge and knowledge confidence. Analysis of the free-text responses suggests that students benefitted from the simulation tasks by visualising the theory and concepts, confirming and checking results, and exploring different scenarios before and after the physical laboratory session. These results suggest that laboratory practicals should be supported with simulation software where possible.","PeriodicalId":47348,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Engineering Education","volume":"48 1","pages":"899 - 912"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2022-12-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44754026","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"What makes entrepreneurial learning difficult: cognitive conflicts or cultural clashes?","authors":"Oskar Hagvall Svensson","doi":"10.1080/03043797.2022.2154196","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/03043797.2022.2154196","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT\u0000 As more entrepreneurial experiences are integrated into engineering programs, students are faced with new challenges they need help in managing. While previous research has identified entrepreneurial activities that engineering students struggle with, the antecedents of these difficulties have not been directly investigated. Drawing on an ethnographic study in a project-based entrepreneurship course, this paper investigates difficulties as caused by both cognitive conflicts and cultural clashes. The findings suggest that difficulties with entrepreneurial activities do not necessarily stem from lack of entrepreneurial capabilities on behalf of students, they can just as well stem from legitimate conflicts of interest that students and teachers need to navigate. As such, difficulties cannot always be solved by students learning more about entrepreneurship. As shown in the study, collaborative and externally oriented learning activities – mainstays of project-based entrepreneurship courses – particularly contribute to putting competing social demands on students.","PeriodicalId":47348,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Engineering Education","volume":"48 1","pages":"391 - 406"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2022-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48706145","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Use of virtual labs to support demand-oriented engineering pedagogy in engineering technology and vocational education training programmes: a systematic review of the literature","authors":"Kristin K. Frady","doi":"10.1080/03043797.2022.2141610","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/03043797.2022.2141610","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT\u0000 Virtual labs offer the promise of increasing and expanding learning opportunities, yet more needs to be understood about pedagogical implementation in higher education settings particularly within engineering technology (ET), vocational education and training (VET), and related sub-baccalaureate programmes. There is little empirical research on educational efficacy and pedagogical incorporation of virtual labs focusing on ET and VET programmes and students. The purpose of this systematic review is to synthesise the use of virtual labs in ET and VET programmes, provide a comprehensive state of knowledge on pedagogical integration, and identify key characteristics. This work will support a greater understanding of the use of virtual labs in ET and VET programmes. An empirically based understanding supports postsecondary sub-baccalaureate engineering education pedagogy including scientific, social, student, and economic perspectives. These perspectives lead to research recommendations and implications specifically for ET and VET programmes integrating virtual labs.","PeriodicalId":47348,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Engineering Education","volume":"48 1","pages":"822 - 841"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2022-11-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48257501","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"If I ignore it, maybe it will go away: how Russian engineering students perceive the gender inequality issue","authors":"N. Maloshonok, K. Vilkova, I. Shcheglova","doi":"10.1080/03043797.2023.2169107","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/03043797.2023.2169107","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT This study investigates how gender inequality in engineering is reproduced in the discourses of Russian engineering undergraduates. The empirical data come from interviews with 22 women and 22 men enrolled in undergraduate engineering programs at six Russian universities. We employ discourse analysis to connect the student narratives about gender differences with participants’ situated identities and the gender stereotypes in Russian society. The analysis demonstrates that gender inequality in engineering is reproduced by both faculty and students through communicating low expectations for women. Although the interviewees noticed a problem of gender discrimination in faculty treatment and relations among classmates, none of our participants openly acknowledged that this problem requires special attention or a solution by university administrators. Young women enrolled in engineering majors may take the position of ignoring or refusing to consider discrimination as a negative phenomenon to cope with negative emotions.","PeriodicalId":47348,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Engineering Education","volume":"47 1","pages":"1315 - 1334"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2022-11-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48157868","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
O. I. Higuera-Martínez, G. E. Corazza, Liliana Fernández-Samacá
{"title":"PBL in the space-time continuum for engineering education","authors":"O. I. Higuera-Martínez, G. E. Corazza, Liliana Fernández-Samacá","doi":"10.1080/03043797.2022.2149388","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/03043797.2022.2149388","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT This article presents how Problem- and Project-Based Learning (PBL) in engineering education can exploit the theoretical framework of the Space–Time (ST)-Continuum, according to which educational contexts can be classified in terms of the tightness vs. looseness of the relevant conceptual space S and available time T. By crossing these two dimensions, four quadrants are obtained in the ST-Continuum: tight space and tight time, loose space and tight time, tight space and loose time, loose space and loose time. Different pedagogies are adaptive to different quadrants. We show how PBL can be mapped onto the ST-Continuum depending on the context characteristics or the chosen problem or project. Further, this article discusses how the intelligence and creativity constructs can be developed through diverse educational scenarios, giving examples of PBL interventions that can be located in different quadrants. Moreover, the analysis shows how through suitable planning, it is possible to have educational activities that consider all the quadrants of the ST-Continuum, even in traditional education curricula or teacher-centered approaches. Finally, the article discusses how teaching practices can promote intelligence and creativity in the curricula at different PBL organisational levels depending on their relationship with the ST-Continuum.","PeriodicalId":47348,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Engineering Education","volume":"47 1","pages":"1260 - 1277"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2022-11-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46428425","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lorey A. Wheeler, C. Miller, Donna Chen, Bobbi Woods, M. Reisslein
{"title":"A suite of measures for children’s achievement beliefs in engineering-related activities and skills","authors":"Lorey A. Wheeler, C. Miller, Donna Chen, Bobbi Woods, M. Reisslein","doi":"10.1080/03043797.2023.2169600","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/03043797.2023.2169600","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT In the interest of understanding choices related to achievement, persistence, and performance that inform pursuit of careers in science, technology, engineering, and math, the current research pursued a novel approach to asking young children about their beliefs related to engineering. The Engineering-Related Activities and Skills (ERAS) items were developed to use instead of the term ‘engineering’ to measure children’s achievement-related ability beliefs (competence) and subjective task values (importance, interest). A range of methods across three studies were implemented in the development and assessment of evidence related to the internal structure of the ERAS items across the domains of ability beliefs and subjective task values (N = 949 students). Results suggest initial evidence for the ERAS items being valid in measuring children’s perceptions of engineering-related competence, importance, and interest. Theoretical and practical implications related to the factors that influence the academic and career choices in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, as well as future directions are outlined.","PeriodicalId":47348,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Engineering Education","volume":"47 1","pages":"1335 - 1355"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2022-11-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"59341151","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}