Experiential Learning in Engineering Practice
Publication: Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice
Volume 135, Issue 1
Abstract
The American Society of Civil Engineers is asserting an increasingly broad and deep body of knowledge (BOK) that reflects contemporary expectations for professional leadership. The BOK is to be fulfilled with a combination of formal education and practical experience. The formal education part includes renewed emphasis on an integrated base of liberal learning, greater technical breadth, specific professional preparation, and mastery of a specialization. Important elements of cognitive development are “assigned” to prelicensure experience. Among these are several learning outcomes critical to realizing the announced vision of the professional for the current century. The current system of prelicensure experience is inadequate and will not perform without structural change. The shortfall lies in the arrangements for fulfilling and validating specific learning outcomes beyond the university. The status quo in engineering is reviewed and compared with other professions. A model program is sketched in terms of specifications and some suggested actions.
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Acknowledgments
The writers are grateful to Lauren Cecere for research assistance; and to our colleagues on the ASCE staff and its Body of Knowledge Second Edition Committee and the Committee on Academic Prerequisites for Professional Practice for numerous significant discussions.
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© 2009 ASCE.
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Received: Mar 6, 2007
Accepted: Nov 7, 2007
Published online: Jan 1, 2009
Published in print: Jan 2009
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