Grade-point-average-based Scheme for Tracking Academic Students' Performance at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals

A presentation of a grade-point-average-based scheme for tracking academic performance of students at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) is given. The application of such a scheme to students at KFUPM with promotional grade point averages (1.000-1.600) from the Preparatory Year Programme to college is presented. The case-study included tracking the academic performance of 916 students admitted to KFUPM between 1984 and 1989.     

Directions and perspectives for development of engineering education in Jordan

There are rapid technological and economic changes associated with a huge accumulation of knowledge, which double every 8 years. Hence, increasing global competition is directing engineering educators to focus on several key areas, among which are development of curricula, graduate studies and continuing education, communications and teamwork research and development and promoting university-industry ties. Engineering education should address areas such as: analysis, synthesis, more applications, economic and management sciences, more effective computer utilization, interdisciplinary courses, in addition to more concern about the environment, society and ethics. Postgraduate programme are becoming necessary due to the increased need for depth. Scientific and engineering research is becoming a must. It is the main driver for technological development, which should start with transfer of knowledge and know-how, then improvement, modification, adaptation and, finally, innovation and creativity. The input to all the above-mentioned challenges in engineering is the quality of the secondary school graduate. Hence, improvements and development should tackle the whole education as a package. In engineering education, instructors should focus on interpreting, showing connections and helping students integrate what they have learned. In all these aspects, the most influential factor is the combined traits of hard work with sincerity and dedication with consciousness. This work aims to show the different measures and aspects needed for development of engineering education, and the extent of their application in the universities in Jordan.