Visiting Professors' Scheme

Introduction

In a break from previous events, this workshop was held to inform the ‘Experience-Led Engineering Degree Course’ study that the Academy had been asked to undertake by recommendation of Lord Sainsbury’s review of Government Science & Innovation policies, The Race to the Top (October 2007).

Lord Sainsbury coined the phrase ‘Experience-Led Engineering Degrees’ (ELED), which he and others broadly defined as one that integrates technical, operational and business skills to better meet the needs of industry whilst at the same time motivating undergraduates to pursue a career in the engineering profession.

In planning this workshop, the Academy took the advice of the Higher Education Academy Engineering Subject Centre at Loughborough University and focused on a group or taxonomy of ELED widely in use and regarded as effective practice; these made up the six case studies presented.

Case Study Structure

Each speaker was asked to address the following issues for ease of purpose and discussion by the subsequent working groups:

  • What was the baseline?

  • What were the drivers for change?

  • What did you actually change?

  • How much did it cost?

  • How do you know the change achieved your objectives?

Working Group Tasks

The three working groups were asked to review each of the case studies such that they were able to:

  • Identify which best met the Sainsbury criteria or if it was felt that none does, which individual elements or combination represents effective practice?

  • Identify other examples of effective practice not covered by the case studies, which best meet the Sainsbury definition?

Plenary Session

The Chairman of each working group presented the conclusions of their group, which were debated by those present.

 

 

Updated July 2012

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