Developing an engineering education research culture

Abstract

Engineering education now demands that we quip our students with key transferable skills that will enable them to meet the demands of rapidly changing technology and societal expectations of engineers. This paper investigates the role of improved leadership in learning and teaching, through the position of the Associate Dean Learning and Teaching (AD-LT), and faculty supported research in engineering education to ensure graduates are equipped with appropriate technical knowledge and key graduate attributes such as lifelong learning. The paper describes the management structure in place in most Australian Universities and general role that the AD-LT plays in improving teaching and educational outcomes and curriculum development. In addition it investigates the role of an Engineering Education Research Group and how the activities of such a group can support the Associate Dean Learning and Teaching. Establishing and supporting a research group and how such a group can improve learning and teaching outcomes in the faculty at a practical level are described. It is argued that supporting educational research and having a management structure within the faculty, which is directly responsible for learning and teaching issues, not only improves the educational outcomes for students but also the key research performance indicators for the faculty and staff.