Toward a New Paradigm: A Bachelor of Science Degree with a Major in Engineering Education

Abstract: This paper is authored by Kenneth Reid and Eric Baumgartner of Ohio Northern University. This paper is a conference paper for the Education Division's 2011 ASQ Advancing the STEM Agenda in Education, the Workplace and Society Conference.

The abstract to the paper is: Existing efforts to introduce engineering into K-12 have traditionally consisted of in-service professional development activities for teachers, summer camp experiences for students and/or single day events in classrooms. A report from the National Academy of Engineering entitled “Standards for K-12 Engineering Education?” said that, “although theoretically possible to develop standards for K-12 engineering education, it would be extremely difficult to ensure their usefulness and effective implementation” at this time, in part because “there is not at present a critical mass of teachers qualified to deliver engineering instruction.” Systematic change will require a new paradigm – teachers who have a fundamental understanding of engineering will provide the most effective, sustainable solution for the implementation of K-12 engineering education. The research question becomes: how can we introduce this necessary, systemic change into K-12?

Ohio Northern University (ONU) has announced a new Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Engineering Education. This program will provide a graduate with a foundation in engineering, mathematics and education, qualifying the graduate for licensure as a secondary math teacher in the state of Ohio. The degree is similar to a General Engineering degree, expanding potential career opportunities. This degree program offers the opportunity to introduce teachers into middle and high school environments with an inherent appreciation of engineering, producing graduates that are capable of truly integrating math, science, engineering analysis and design into the classroom.

Keywords: STEM - STEM-Increase K-20 Interest and College Enrollment - Conference Proceedings