SEFI@work: Educating the Whole Engineer by Integrating Engineering and the Liberal Arts

SEFI@work session from the series “International Handbook of Engineering Education Research”

Offered to you by the SIG on Engineering Education Research together with SIG on Sustainability

Friday, 31 January 2024
12:00 – 13:00 (CET)

Authors Sarah Jayne Hitt, Amy Banzaert, and Olga Pierrakos will present chapter 21 “Educating the Whole Engineer by Integrating Engineering and the Liberal Arts” from the handbook.

This webinar provides a unique opportunity to get insights in this research topic in Engineering Education and to get to know the researchers behind the chapter. You will have the opportunity to ask questions around the chapter and engage in an interesting conversation with other attendees.

Chapter 21 Abstract:

The vision for producing globally and socially responsible engineers cannot be achieved without an authentic integration of the liberal arts and engineering. An increasing number of efforts have been made across professional and academic institutions to promote and develop the inclusion of the liberal arts within engineering education and vice versa. In this chapter we present the historical background of these movements, describe current scholarship in relevant methods and pedagogies, and highlight innovative and creative approaches to integrating liberal arts and engineering, focusing on four areas: (1) single courses or modules, (2) programmatic interventions, (3) integration that targets non-engineers, and (4) institutional integration. We show that more research and support is needed to test and evaluate such integration so that instructors and educational leaders can best approach curricular or programmatic change that more meaningfully integrates the liberal arts and engineering education. Strategic areas for future directions include (1) strengthening efforts to integrate the liberal arts via ethics; (2) continuing and supporting professional development for faculty; (3) improving institutional structures, policies, and processes; and 4() leveraging existing efforts through research and building connections. Finally, we offer a vision for the path forward for interdisciplinary learning in engineering practice and research.

General information on the SEFI@work series around the “International Handbook of Engineering Education Research”:

In 2024 and 2025, the SEFI Special Interest Groups are joining efforts around the “International Handbook of Engineering Education Research”. Each session will focus on one chapter,  giving the floor to the authors of each chapter.  With this series we want to support the growth and maturing of the engineering education field and community in Europe and beyond. The goal of the series is to (1) increase the knowledge around engineering education research, (2) to strengthen the engineering education community feeling, and (3) to give a platform to the authors of the handbook’s chapters to disseminate their work.