The role of the first year engineering experience (FYEE) course

Abstract

Many papers have been written on the value of the First Year Engineering Experience (FYEE) as a tool to reduce attrition rates. In this paper, the authors define the FYEE as an experimental, design project, team-based course that provides a stimulating introduction to engineering for first year students. Too often however, the role and value of the FYEE has been considered without querying its place in the overall engineering programme or its influence on grades and graduate outcomes. These omissions are likely due to a lack of strategic planning or a combination of low funding, staffing and motivation. Given the increasing vigilance of accrediting bodies in reviewing the quantification of graduate outcomes during accreditation visits, the role of the FYEE must be better defined and any successes evaluated beyond student retention. In this article, the authors review the role of FYEE programmes in the overall engineering education framework.