Non-traditional Approaches to Some Classical Topics in Probability and Estimation

ZUSAMMENFASSUNG

The paper presents approaches far a number of classical and elementary topics in probability and optimization in estimation theory. The author hopes that the approaches can offer useful alternatives (such as simpler or more complete derivations) to the classical approaches. Most topics are illustrated by one or more typical examples. In the area of estimation theory we present a definition of MLE, which resolves the well-known problems on the boundary of the parameter space, and an elementary derivation of the normal equations in least squares estimation.

Die Arbeit behandelt eine Anzahl von klassischen und elementaren Themen aus der Wahrscheinlichkeitstheorie und der Optimierung in der Schätztheorie. Der Autor hofft, daβ die dargestellten Vorgehensweisen nutzliche Alternativen (etwa einfachere oder vollstandigere Herleitungen) zum üblichen Zugang darstellen. Die meisten Themen werden durch ein oder mekrere Beispiele illustriert. Wir geben u.a. eine Definition für ML-Schätzer, welche die bekannten Schwierigkeiten auf dem Rand des Parameterbereiches behebt, sowie eine elementare Herleitung der Normalgleichungen für Kleinste-Quadrat-Schätzer.     

A Review of the U.S. Report Entitled A National Action Agenda for Engineering Education

A task force of distinguished engineering educators and industrialists appointed by the American Society for Engineering Education Board of Directors, after reviewing recent major reports on engineering education, identified eight recommend-ations that the committee considered to be of the highest priority for the United States. The recommendations relate to topics such as undergraduate curricula, the teaching of design and manufacturing, practice-oriented advanced degree programs, faculty recruit-ment, and career-long education for engineers. The report has been very widely quoted in reports, including those issued by federal agencies, the Congress, and academic institutions. A recent review indicates that significant actions on nearly all the recommend-ations are currently under way.     

Self-Regulated Learning in Technology-Enhanced Learning Environments: lessons of a European peer review

This article first describes the state-of-the-art of model building and empirical research in the field of self-regulated learning (SRL) and then focuses on self-regulated learning in Technology-Enhanced Learning Environments (TELEs). We present recent research results obtained in a European project (TELEPEERS) in the context of which we evaluated TELEs in a peer review manner with respect to their potential for supporting self-regulated learning. In addition, data were obtained on a sample of TELEPEERS students working in these environments and comparative analyses were made across the European project partners.     

Counselor Comfort,Counseling Climate,and Client Satisfaction: Client Ratings and Academic Improvement

This study examined client perceptions of counselor comfort, counseling climate, and client satisfaction as measured by the CEI relative to counselors described as high-effective or low-effective in terms of changes in client academic performance before and after group counseling. The results indicated that the client's perception of the comfort of the counselor in a group setting is significantly related to counselor effectiveness as measured by GPA change. The overall counseling climate and the client's estimate of his satisfaction were found not to be related to counselor effectiveness.     

The Nature and Development of Engineering Expertise

Engineering is the application of science and mathematics to human problems. This is a view that pervades engineering education. Recent emphasis in the United States is ‘engineering is design’. The thesis of this paper is that engineering as science as well as engineering as design are inadequate conceptions of engineering. The thesis is supported by comparing school and out-of-school knowledge. The nature of engineering is explored in terms of the activities of engineers and the goals of engineering education. Koen's definition of the engineering method, “The engineering method is the use of heuristics to cause the best change in a poorly understood situation within the available resources”, is introduced. The nature of expertise is examined. Alternatives to the ‘empty vessel’ model are presented for the development of engineering expertise. The alternatives include cognitive apprenticeship, reflective practicum, co-operative learning and problem-based instruction.