What is engineering? Why is getting the conception of engineering so important? Is it possible that our students or children, who are potential engineers, don’t have enough understanding of engineering? Unfortunately, yes! Studies show that they don’t. According to the studies on students’ conception of engineering, they are full of misconceptions (1)(2)(3)(4). Therefore, local industries and schools must work together to improve the perception of future engineers (1). It is essential to see how students are perceived and what teachers can do.
Perception of Students
The first and relatively the most crucial misconception we need to eliminate is that middle school students -especially male students- perceive engineering as a male-dominated career (2)(3). Regarding this, this mindset overwhelms female students. They might immediately get discouraged if they have an interest and many other reasons. Then, most of them result in a lack of self-confidence There are many studies showing changes in the perception of women in engineering (9)(10)(11)(12)(13).
Over and above, most of the students think that engineers just fix things like a repairer. They are not aware of the design process. Eventually, those may cause misconceptions (2)(3). Definitely, the perception of this matter needs a change.
How Can Teachers Help?
As role models and perfect guides for the road, teachers must play an active role to help students understand engineering. The research on young children’s perception of engineering shows that their mindset had changed after just a summer engineering outreach course. It clearly shows that we need to spell it out enough (4).
Studies also reveal that integrating engineering activities whenever possible in the classroom increases the participation of female students and helps eliminate misconceptions over time (2)(5). Teachers must focus on diversity and the number of students. Fairly enough to be sensitive on this matter for the sake of potential engineers of our future. In addition, we shouldn’t think like it is only for science classes. Teachers can integrate engineering activities in any course with true objectives.
Here are some of those below as examples:
Math Classes (6)
Art Classes (7)
Music Classes (8)
It is always good to remember that these are not ‘macaroni art’. They must have objectives according to engineering skills. It is essential to implement the design process implemented smoothly in such activities. They all are starting points and practicing chances for those who think of engineering as a career. It will become more familiar with the conception of engineering.
You can read the future jobs for kids here.
References
