Real engineering problems are usually incompletely specified initially and a large part of an engineer's work consists of collecting and sifting data, and arranging and solving simplified models, before his problem reaches more precise definition. Scientific knowledge is applied to the simplified model, rather than to the real problem, and much bold imagination is required to arrange the models, interpret them and make decisions based on the results. It is important that students be trained in decision making by developing and exercising engineering attitude. Such training can be given in lecture and laboratory classes in universities and colleges. Examples of typical suitable methods of lecture class and laboratory instruction are given; they are taken mainly from structural engineering.