Engineering educators’ perceptions of the influence of professional/industry experience on their teaching practice

Abstract

Abstract –This preliminary study explored engineering educators’ perceptions of the influence of industry experience on their teaching practice. Fifty American engineering educators were interviewed. There appeared to be a distinction in the extent to which influence on practice was reported, based on years of industry experience. Three themes emerged – influence on content and curriculum, influence on instructional strategies and the integration of real world components, and benefits of being a practitioner/educator. Implications and future research are discussed.