Embodying engineering leadership

Kybernetes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (7) ◽  
pp. 1547-1562
Author(s):  
Wilson Antonio Florez
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Implementation Process ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Leadership Competencies ◽  
Engineering Curriculum ◽  
Leadership Program ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Engineering Discipline ◽  
Design Activities

Purpose Accrediting boards and employers agree that there is a growing need for engineering leadership training. The aforementioned recognized, soft skills training is still an incipient initiative in the engineering discipline. This paper aims to summarize the implementation of the Engineering Leadership Program at the School of Engineering, where the implementation process uses the model for learning and teaching proposed by Reyes and Zarama, 1998b, as a strategy to embody engineering leadership capabilities. The best practices in regard to the capabilities that promote engineering leadership are discussed. The final remarks highlight the relevance of the active student roles in the development of the Engineering Leadership Program. Design/methodology/approach The author describes the implementation of the Engineering Leadership Program using Reyes and Zarama’s process of embodying distinctions. Findings The use of systemic models for teaching and learning in the implementation of Engineering Leadership Programs helps facilitate leadership competencies in students. The implementation of “engineering leadership” as complementary activity in the engineering curriculum demonstrated individual and program advantages – in comparison to solely modifying the current engineering curriculum. Originality/value This work enhances the understanding of how engineering schools can design activities to promote engineering leadership in former engineers as is requested by international accreditation boards and by engineering employers.

Technology usage for teaching and learning law in open and distance learning: a Sri Lankan perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-81
Author(s):  
Janaka Selvaras
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Technology Usage ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Online Social Media ◽  
Open And Distance Learning ◽  
Learning Law

PurposeThe Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) is the only institution to deliver legal education through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in Sri Lanka. This study aims to analyze technology usage in learning and teaching law in the ODL under OUSL to evaluate the accessibility and also challenges.Design/methodology/approachA combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies has been used for the study. This includes both interviews with teachers and surveying among students on the usage of technology in learning and teaching law at OUSL. Since the LL.B Degree Programme of OUSL delivered at six regional centres in Sri Lanka, this study also includes the comparative analysis of technology usage in teaching and learning at selected regional centres.FindingsThe findings indicate that the majority of students have access to technology through mobile phones and are aware of blended learning. Even though they prefer to integrate blended learning with learning law, they do not prefer learning entirely online. Social media and mobile applications are the most preferred modes of blended learning by students. It is also acknowledged that the internal staff has knowledge and access to the use of technology in teaching law while the external staff faces challenges and is in need of adequate training.Originality/valueThe original contribution of this article provides insightful guidelines not only to the OUSL of Sri Lanka but also to the institutions offering similar disciplines through ODL to understand lecturers, learners in the future integration of technology.

Teacher-related factors in assimilation of technological change in schools

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 766-779
Author(s):  
Khalid Arar ◽  
Ruth Abramovitz
Keyword(s):  
Technological Change ◽  
Private School ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Implementation Process ◽  
Teaching Experience ◽  
Teaching Staff ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Team Members ◽  
High Expectations

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore teachers’ attitudes toward the implementation of new computer technology to improve teaching and learning products at a private Arab school in Israel. Specifically, the aim was to individuate teachers’ factors associated with higher productivity of this technological change. Design/methodology/approach The research used the mixed-methods approach to enrich the data derived from a case study. It employed a questionnaire of 81 items administered among 55 teachers and in-depth interviews with both teachers and senior management team members at one private Arab school in Israel. Findings Results show some features that characterize the teachers who rated the productivity of this new management change highly. Those teachers tend to have high expectations of the change and to view the change implementation process favorably. Teachers with such characteristics tend to be female teachers. The influence of teachers’ education was latent. Their teaching experience influenced only their expectations and views of the process, but not their perceptions of the change products. Research limitations/implications The paper focused only on one private school known for its excellence and teaching staff, and thus may not apply to the entire Arab education system in Israel. Nevertheless, the findings indicate how to increase teaching productivity when planning the management of technological change for increased teaching benefits in schools with similar characteristics. Originality/value This paper explored a case in which technological change was implemented through a careful process of management planning, in order to facilitate the construction of a model of indicators to facilitate change.

Seams remain in seamless learning

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fui Chin Hiew ◽  
Esyin Chew
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Research Report ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Learning Framework ◽  
Seamless Learning ◽  
Critical Issues ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Learning Concept

Purpose This paper aims to identify the digital gaps in seamless learning concept within the higher educational institutions (HEIs) context. Design/methodology/approach The most cited mobile-assisted seamless learning framework, recent Educause higher education research report and relevant articles have been reviewed. Findings The digital gaps among educators and students hinder the implementation of the seamless learning framework in HEIs. Practical implications The finding will inform HEIs in addressing digital gaps to ensure learning and teaching enhancement with educational technology across institutions. It will also be useful for the design and improvement of the seamless learning framework. The finding may also be useful in creating awareness among educators and students as to the benefit of educational technologies. Originality/value No previous viewpoints have been published on digital gaps in the seamless learning concept. The digital gaps among educators and students constitute one of the most critical issues in implementing technology-assisted teaching and learning design in HEIs. This paper addresses the root of the problem by examining the digital gaps among educators and students within the seamless learning framework.

scholarly journals Implementation of a lesson plan model in the nursing laboratory: strengthening learning

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (spe) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandra Vaccari ◽  
Gabriela Figueiredo Farias ◽  
Débora Schimitt Porto
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Lesson Plan ◽  
Implementation Process ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Public University ◽  
Pilot Test ◽  
Southern Brazil ◽  
Work Process ◽  
Laboratory Staff ◽  
Undergraduate Nursing

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the experience of implementing a lesson plan model for skills training as a learning tool in undergraduate nursing. Method: An experience report on the implementation of a structured plan model for skills training in a nursing laboratory at a public university in southern Brazil. The activities were developed between May/2018 and April/2019. Results: The implementation process was divided into stages: literature review, work process, division of tasks, validation, pilot test, reformulation, dissemination and use. There was a growing link between professors and the laboratory staff regarding planning and management of classes, as well as the improvement of logistics for the organization of materials and simulators. Conclusion: The implementation of lesson plans represented an important contribution to the qualification of the teaching and learning process for students and professors.

Leadership role in implementing Lean Six Sigma – a cross case analysis of KPO/BPO service organizations

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Naresh N. Motiani ◽  
Abhay Kulkarni
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Style ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Implementation Process ◽  
Leadership Competencies ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Leadership Role ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Implementation Challenges

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the role of leadership in implementing Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in a knowledge process outsourcing/business process outsourcing (KPO/BPO) service environment. KPO/BPO organizations present unique operational challenges such as client contractual obligations, young worker age profile, high attrition, dynamic outsourced business processes, technological disruptions to list a few. To implement LSS in such an environment, leadership plays a crucial role. While it is known that leadership is a critical success factor for LSS implementation, their role in a recently evolved KPO/BPO sector is hardly studied leading to high failures. The present study aims to address this gap. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative case study research method is used. A case study protocol consisting of research outline, data collection plan, interview schedule and list of expert reviewers was prepared. A semi-structured interview schedule of the case organization was used that covered exploring the leadership role in terms of their leadership style, communication, employee engagement and their ability to guide program in entire LSS implementation process. Further depth is obtained by considering dimensions of LSS implementation process such as actors involved, processes adopted, performance outcomes, implementation challenges and competency requirements. Primary and secondary data from two case studies yielded rich insights and helped to answer the research questions around role of leadership in LSS implementation for the KPO/BPO service environment. Findings This research case study demonstrates key leadership competencies that lead to successful implementation of LSS in two KPO/BPO organizations. To handle implementation challenges, a combination of LSS and transformation style of leadership style was observed. Leadership role focussed on coaching and empowering, rather than telling and controlling. Apart from the 17 leadership competencies seen in published literature, the authors observed 12 specific competencies (7 interpersonal and 5 LSS) in two case organizations that enabled effective LSS implementation. This study also gives an in depth understanding of the leadership role and enabling competencies during LSS implementation. Research limitations/implications Because of the inherent limitations of case study research method, researchers and practitioners must be cautious to the extent of generalization of findings and the conclusions. Practical implications Positioning leadership to managing the LSS implementation in KPO/BPO service operations helps in innovative adaption of standard improvement methodologies (such as LSS) to address their specific problems and deliver on the overall organizational goals. Originality/value Current study explores in depth how leadership role impacts LSS implementation in two KPO/BPO case organizations. Studies focussing on LSS service operations model in a KPO/BPO environment are not extensively published, especially those covering leadership role during LSS implementation.

A review of the use of portable technologies as observational aids in the classroom

2019 ◽  
Vol 120 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 228-241
Author(s):  
Felicia Goh ◽  
Annemaree Carroll ◽  
Robyn M. Gillies
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Classroom Observation ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Portable Devices ◽  
Time Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Portable Technology ◽  
Observation Strategies

Purpose Current classroom observation strategies include questionnaires, interviews, tests, self-report metrics and live or video review observation. However, these traditional methods are subject to biases from observers in determining behavior nuances, as well as being difficult to analyze for rapid and practical feedback. In addition, the invasiveness of extra body equipment in the classroom may alter the dynamic between students and teachers. The emergence of portable devices into mainstream usage has opened a pathway for a relatively novel source of quantitative data, free from observer bias and often with accompanying analytical tools for convenience. The purpose of this study is to summarize current uses of portable technology and explore how such devices could be used as monitoring tools by both schools and education researchers. Design/methodology/approach Functions based on utility outside the education field are proposed for monitoring student activity, posture and movement, as well as proximity and relationships to others and their environment. Deterrents to device implementation in regular classroom use, such as the importance of considering ethical issues and hardware limitations, are also covered. Findings While current portable technology is unlikely to replace more commonly used techniques of observing classes, they have the capacity to augment qualitative strategies, particularly in the area of real-time data output. Research limitations/implications Ideally, the lack of unbiased observational tools available and increased adoption of portable devices in classrooms could prompt future advances in technology for teaching and learning environments. Originality/value This review summarizes potential uses for portable technology in classroom observation strategies undertaken by researchers and teachers to improve learning and teaching practices.

A strategy for using digital mindsets and knowledge technologies to move past pandemic conditions

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cherry Stewart ◽  
Ashfaq Ahmad Khan
Keyword(s):  
Curriculum Design ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Management Accounting ◽  
Pedagogical Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Concepts ◽  
Constructive Development ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Tertiary Teaching

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the theoretical concepts of adult constructive development (ACD) in response to a requirement to teach fully online during the COVID-19 lockdown. However, responses have been unique for many university educators, regardless of the roles they have in supporting students during this time. How each person approaches the changing context can be enhanced by an understanding of their mindset as defined by Kegan’s theory. Design/methodology/approach An accounting academic and educational designer combine their expertise and engage a “digital mindset” to guide the re-design of the management accounting unit incorporating strategies that encourage students to be self-reliant yet learn from a broad diversity of perspectives. Findings Unexpected changes within an educational environment may be the catalyse needed to force significant rethinking of pedagogical practice within the online teaching space. Practical implications This paper offers practical thinking and design tips for creating interactive learning and teaching programs to develop a positive and supportive approach that challenges and facilitates cognitive growth in student knowledge, skills and learning behaviours. Social implications Stimulating student interaction via the creation of interactive and dynamic online curriculum design teachers may communicate more effectively with students as well as sharing their knowledge and skills with each other. Originality/value The authors explore Kegan’s ACD framework (1982, 1998, 2009) within the context of tertiary teaching and learning design for management accounting. The authors propose online strategies for each of the levels of development in the form of supports and challenges.

Qatari students’ pre-college experience with information literacy

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-69
Author(s):  
Ethan P Pullman
Keyword(s):  
Student Perceptions ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
College Experience ◽  
Learning Preferences ◽  
Future Research ◽  
First Year ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Learning And Teaching

Purpose – There’s little information available on Qatari students’ experience with information literacy. What little information does exists draws from outdated surveys and assumptions about the current population. The purpose of this paper is to describe how data collected from first-semester Qatari students who enrolled in a semester-long information literacy course at Carnegie Mellon University helped update perceptions of this population, drove changes made to content and instructional delivery, and enabled a reflective process for teaching and learning. Design/methodology/approach – Pre- and post-surveys completed by students explore Qatari students’ pre-college experience with information literacy concepts, using libraries, and writing. They also compare the students’ attitude toward information literacy before and after taking the course. Qatari students’ data were extracted from the overall student population to focus on this population and analyzed descriptively based on cumulative responses. The pre-survey data were used to inform changes made to instructional content and delivery throughout the term. Findings – Contrary to assumptions, first-year Qatari students expressed familiarity with information literacy concepts before attending college. The data indicated strong learning preferences and a positive attitude toward information literacy. Research limitations/implications – Since information collected in this study relied on student perceptions of their experience, results must be paired with performance measurement before drawing additional conclusions about information literacy competencies of first-year Qatari students. Further, the study did not explore gender and sociocultural differences; therefore no general conclusions should be drawn. Practical implications – Instructional design should be based on a current understanding of local information needs and searching habits. In addition, this approach encourages reflective learning and teaching and help instructors avoid prior assumptions about their students. Originality/value – This paper provides information on how Qatari students perceive their experience with information literacy before college, the importance of understanding information literacy concepts and its role in their personal, academic, and professional lives. It centers on a population for whom information literacy concepts remain both relatively challenging and critical for their future learning development and offers suggestions for future research.

Applying sustainability into engineering curriculum under the background of “new engineering education” (NEE)

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 1169-1187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zejing Qu ◽  
Wen Huang ◽  
Zhengjun Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Engineering Education ◽  
Curriculum Design ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
Comprehensive Evaluation ◽  
Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Engineering Curriculum ◽  
Teaching Approaches ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Curriculum

Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of applying sustainability to the engineering curriculum at a university in China. Design/methodology/approach A new curriculum, “ethics, involvement and sustainability,” was designed and presented to engineering students from an undergraduate major in quality management engineering. This curriculum incorporated knowledge acquisition and skills training into sustainability via various teaching approaches in a mandatory curriculum at Tongling University, China. Pre- and post-questionnaire surveys, as well as a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model, were adopted to evaluate the changes in knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of respondents before and after curriculum implementation. Findings Significant changes in knowledge and attitudes were observed following the implementation of the curriculum. In terms of the development of new behaviors, the changes tended to be moderate. Generally, respondents were satisfied with the effectiveness of the new interdisciplinary curriculum post-implementation. Practical implications Positive results were observed for the pilot and practice of the new engineering education (NEE) strategy at the cooperating university in China. Specifically, the integration of sustainability into curriculum design, implementation and evaluation inspired greater social responsibility in engineering students’ decision-making processes. Additionally, it shed light on how to integrate the concept of sustainability into curricula. One limitation of this study was the absence of a comparison group that did not experience the new curriculum. Originality/value Scant attention has been paid to local universities in the context of the newly-launched NEE strategy. This study provides new insight regarding the implementation of sustainability into engineering curricula and practice via formal, but diversified, teaching approaches.

scholarly journals University lecturers' use of active teaching methods: a segmentation study concerning trust, empowerment, thinking styles and emotional intelligence

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bình Nghiêm-Phú ◽  
Thành Hưng Nguyễn
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Intelligence ◽  
Education Reform ◽  
Teaching Methods ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Thinking Styles ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Active Teaching ◽  
University Lecturers

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the adoption of the active learning and teaching methods by university lecturers, taking into account the contribution of certain important factors, including trust, empowerment, thinking styles and emotional intelligence. In addition, this study further reveals the diverse nature of university lecturers with regards to their tendencies to adopt active teaching methods using the segmentation technique of marketing.Design/methodology/approachA structured survey was implemented with university lecturers in Hanoi (Vietnam), obtaining a sample of 218 respondents from six universities. Descriptive analysis was carried out to identify the extent of the adoption of these methods. In addition, cluster analysis and analysis of variance were computed to extract and define the segments of university lecturers.FindingsThe findings show that the lecturers, on average, had a tendency to apply active teaching methods. However, the extent of the application of these methods differed among four clusters: “conservatives,” “liberals,” “junior conservatives” and “junior liberals.” In addition, it was found that the degree to which active methods were applied may have been affected by the lecturers' trust in and their empowerment of the students. The application of active methods may also have been influenced by various covert characteristics of the lecturers, including thinking styles (cognition-based) and emotional intelligence (affect-based). The lecturers' overt characteristics, such as age, education and experience, may also have affected their application of active methods, while biological sex seems not to have been a significant factor.Originality/valueThe results of this study expand the literature by explaining the diversity of university lecturers from the perspective of the active teaching and learning methods. They also provide implications for the management of education reform based on the varied implementation of the said methods that has already taken place.

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