Article on Picker Engineering Program

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<p>Recent article on Picker Engineering Program, a good read for anyone interested in engineering at Smith.</p>

<p><a href=“http://www.aacu.org/aacu_news/AACUNews07/August07/feature.cfm[/url]”>http://www.aacu.org/aacu_news/AACUNews07/August07/feature.cfm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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…A Focus on Outcomes</p>

<p>Because the program seeks to develop well-rounded students prepared to engage in multiple “conversations,” its list of outcomes goes well beyond basic engineering skills. With goals such as, “the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences,” and “the ability to appreciate continual intellectual advancement and a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, life-long learning,” the program expects students to develop more than just technical abilities. This goal closely aligns with the Accrediting Board of Engineering and Technology’s vision for engineering programs, a vision that emphasizes the development of multiple professional skills, including solving unstructured problems, communicating effectively, and working in teams. In order to foster these outcomes, Picker faculty utilize reflective writing sessions and, recently, portfolio development. These practices are designed to encourage students to internalize the process of learning and its important outcomes – instead of simply checking off tasks.</p>

<p>“It’s not just about achieving the outcomes…it’s about transformation,” says Jones, who believes that when students recognize the changes they have undergone since arriving on campus, they can better realize and appreciate their education and its effects. And portfolios are not only about chronicling and improving skills, but expanding on them as well –Jones encourages students who have success in one area of their portfolios to “take the next risk” and push themselves to the next skill level…

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<p>It is a pretty long and informative article. What I quoted is only a section of it, so do read the rest of the article if you are interested.</p>