Erasmus Thematic Networks and the European dimension of Engineering Education

Some of the most important challenges for engineering schools at the beginning of the 21st century are summarised as well as the role of ERASMUS Thematic Networks (TN) in this scenario.

Though focus is mainly given to the European environment, the changes which are interesting Engineering Education appear to involve also the non-European sphere and therefore, this set of papers on the main outcomes of E4 Thematic Network (2000–2004) has been conceived, not only as an useful instrument of dissemination, but also an open window on Europe.

In this introductory paper key characteristics of successful TNs are outlined, as resulting from the experience of TN E4, Enhancing Engineering Education in Europe, which has terminated its life end of September 2004. The new TN project, denominated TREE, for Teaching and Research in Engineering in Europe, is briefly presented.

On the other hand, in the following 5 sections some of the main activities developed within E4 are presented touching topics related to accreditation, quality assurance, students involvement in Engineering Education, ICT and new learning methods and curriculum development.     

Mechanical engineering at RWTH Aachen University: professional curriculum development and teacher training

This paper offers a multi-perspective view on engineering education at RWTH Aachen University: curriculum design, examples of newly developed teaching methods for engineering curri-cula, and teaching competencies and teacher qualification. It is based on the theories of student-centred learning, project learning, social skills, etc., but the paper covers the practical implications and ways of implementation of these items in a current design process of a new study programme: In the course of the Bologna process the mechanical engineering study programme of RWTH Aachen University has encountered a complete and thorough revision responding to the need of present-day technical students and—accordingly—to the fast-growing requirements of the engineering industry. This change process will be presented. A case study from engineering informatics shows concepts for modern teaching methods, responding to the requirements of students and industry, especially regarding social skills. Teaching competencies have to change and grow accordingly. Thus, a concept for the improvement of educational skills and abilities of engineering teachers—integrated into their work process—is demonstrated.     

欧洲学分转换系统：从单一功能到双重功能的转变

欧盟国家在经济一体化深入进行的同时，也正朝着包括政治、文化一体化的目标努力。早在1987年，欧盟就在其成员国间进行了一项名为“伊拉斯莫”的高等教育合作计划，此计划旨在推动大学生在欧盟国家内的流动及通过合作提高欧盟国家高等教育的质量。在这个过程当中，欧盟委员会开发出了欧洲学分转换系统作为推动学生流动的工具，并取得了一定的效果。1999年《波洛尼亚宣言》发表，在肯定欧洲学分转换系统在促进学生流动方面的作用的同时，也希望将积累功能附加在欧洲学分系统之上，以促进终身学习。     

博洛尼亚进程：性质及运作机制

博洛尼亚进程是欧洲国家教育部长基于“辅助性原则”自愿签订的无约束力的政府间教育合作计划。这一性质为开放式协调法的运用提供了契机,开放式协调法具有灵活性、开放性、程序性和非限制性等特点,它使博洛尼亚进程在欧洲复杂多元的高等教育逐步走向和谐统一。     

Survey on the implementation of the Bologna process in Portugal

For several years Portuguese higher education institutions have been waiting for the legislation framework necessary for the implementation of the Bologna process. Such legislation was passed quite recently (2006) and has resulted in an unexpected flood of proposals presented at very short notice by higher education institutions to the Ministry. It is possible that such fast implementation rate corresponds to implementation “in form” rather than “in substance”, thus softening tensions between the European and the national and local levels. This hypothesis will be tested by analysing the outcomes of a survey conducted in all higher education institutions that have presented proposals of Bologna-type degree programmes or adaptations of old degree programmes to the new Bologna-type structure.     

欧洲博洛尼亚进程中的“不和谐”之声——基于英国的考察

"博洛尼亚进程"是过去10年欧洲范围内实施的一项重要的高等教育计划。其目标旨在2010年通过欧洲高等教育区和欧洲研究区的建设,实现欧洲高等教育的整体化。对此,欧洲大陆各国都做出了不同的反应。英国虽然也属于欧盟国家,但由于某些原因,英国社会对博洛尼亚进程的反应与欧洲大陆有很大的不同。本文根据文献和访谈等形式研究英国社会各界在博洛尼亚进程中的表现,旨在帮助读者了解一个来自欧盟国家中的另类声音。     

关于“最早的大学”问题

作为高层次专业人才培养基地的大学,是社会经济、政治、文化发展到一定阶段的产物。衡量古代的一所学校是否是大学,一要看它是否属于高等教育的范畴;二要看它是否具有现代意义。中世纪西欧大学的办学模式．直接影响到后来大学教育的发展。最早具有现代意义的大学是中世纪西欧的波伦亚大学、巴黎大学、牛津大学等等．而不是中国殷商时代的右学。中国古代文献中所提到的大学及“大学”二字,同今天意义上的大学不是一回事,如果把二者等同起来,则是很可笑的。     

The Bologna Process Offers New Research Opportunities for Academic Business Librarians Worldwide

European education ministers and officials signed a Bologna Declaration with a goal to reform, strengthen, and standardize higher education programs and degree structures by 2010. Graduates will become more mobile and marketable to employers throughout Europe. These programs shall also attract students worldwide. Higher education programs on other continents have taken notice and are in the process of initiating similar goals and outcomes. All of these events are creating new research opportunities for academic business librarians in all aspects of library support and services including collection development, reference, and instruction.     

Using action research as a methodological tool: understanding teachers' understanding of science

A series of questions and answers between Jennifer Nias in her role as supervisor and Steve Waters-Adams as student explores the rationale for the inclusion of action research as a methodological tool within a wider PhD study. The study explored the effect of teachers' understanding of the nature of science on their teaching. In discussing the complexities of the research, Steve Waters-Adams suggests that action research provided a powerful means of gaining access to important tacit and dialectical aspects of teachers' practice. The discussion considers the process of action research, particularly with regard to the extent that its form and purpose may be defined, the importance of collaboration and the centrality of personal commitment. Steve Waters-Adams concludes that there is scope for subject-oriented research in education to make more use of action research as a methodological tool, given that the process engages with, and exposes for scrutiny, practitioners' values, aims and motives.     

Development of mechanical engineering curricula at the University of Minho

The implementation of the Bologna protocol in the European Union has set new goals for the whole higher education system as: (a) a quality assessment for university courses; (b) a framework for the exchange of students and academics; and (c) an opportunity for changing the teaching/learning procedures and methodologies. Within the context, the mechanical engineering curricula at the University of Minho have been comprehensively formulated in order to meet these and future challenges and expectations. The whole process has been based upon various cornerstones: the legal framework for the higher education system; the introduction of new learning methodologies and an accurate survey and understanding of the existing strong and week points of the previous experience. For this purpose, a comprehensive evaluation has been carried out with former students and a detailed map has been formulated regarding their professional careers and experiences. Furthermore, a discussion has been carried out in order to define the mission of the graduate in mechanical engineering. In brief, such mission may be referred by his ability to participate in the wealth creation through technology based innovation. Within this context, the curriculum has been structured in order to meet such goals. In addition to strong foundations in physics and mathematics, new subjects are introduced into the curriculum. The whole education is based upon project development which stimulates the students' initiative, responsibility and their ability to integrate knowledge. Throughout the curriculum, students are enrolled into research projects developed in the department and it is expected that a few selected projects may be taken into a quasi industrial stage.