Overview
Engineering education research (EER) is a systematic study of education systems to create knowledge that defines, informs, and improves the education of engineers. Engineering education is a type of discipline-based education research (DBER) that emphasizes how education in an engineering context is unique from other areas of study. EER aims to develop innovative strategies that empower students to excel in their studies and become the next generation of engineers. Central to EER are key questions including: Who becomes an engineer? What is engineering and who decides? When do people become engineers? And, how can educators most effectively facilitate the process of learning within engineering?
Engineering education research has direct applications in:
- Improving undergraduate and graduate education
- Diversifying the engineering workforce
- Understanding factors to support student success and pathways into and through engineering
- Informing policy surrounding engineering education requirements and initiatives
- Outreach to teach children about engineering and increase awareness of engineering careers