1. Evaluation of Various Aspects of the 11 th Grade Engineering Curriculum: A Mixed-Methods Study.
- Author
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ALFARRAJ, YOUSEF F. and ALTHUBYANI, ADEL R.
- Subjects
ENGINEERING ,SELF-efficacy ,STEM education ,STUDENT engagement ,PHYSICS - Abstract
This study explored a twofold evaluation of the engineering curriculum from the perspectives of teachers. supervisors, and field experts. It evaluated the extent to which certain curriculum elements were achieved in the curriculum and the level of perceived self-efficacy of the curriculum's teachers and supervisors. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach utilizing a sequential explanatory design. This design involved two semi-structured questionnaires that were applied to 112 teachers and supervisors (62 males and 50 females) while a semi-structured interview was applied to 12 teachers and supervisors as well as to seven engineering experts, both academic. i.e., university professors, and professional. The results revealed that the curriculum elements and the perceived sel f-efficacy were achieved on a -medium" level with (66.8%) and (67.2%), respectively. It was also revealed that there were no statistically-significant differences attributed to the gender variable. Furthermore, the study identified the advantages and disadvantages of implementing the 11 th grade engineering curriculum of the Pathways System. Some of the main advantages were familiarizing students with the concept of engineering and its fields as well as introducing basic computer software. The disadvantages, however, were outlined as the lack of specialized teachers; the weak sequencing between the course and its prerequisite (physics); the inconsistency between the course description and its content. and the insufficiency of the practical part of the course and the necessary equipment for students to engage in engineering practices. As a result, the curriculum was found to be lacking in preparing students for the job market or the next educational stages including the preparatory year of university. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023