Epistemological Beliefs, Education Outreach, and Collaborations Between Engineers and Educators

• In Event: Roundtable Session 16
  In Roundtable Session: Epistemological Alignment and Beliefs in Science and Engineering Education

Abstract

To address the growing need for a domestic engineering workforce, Engineering Research Centers (ERCs) conduct educational outreach to increase students’ interest in STEM related careers. However, the success of these educational initiatives depends on the meaningful collaborations between educators and the engineers. This qualitative study investigated educators’ and engineers’ personal epistemological beliefs, educational practices and views about collaboration. Six case study participants who work in ERCs from both engineering and education backgrounds, were interviewed to better understand the experiences ERC educational initiatives. Findings indicated that across participants’ backgrounds there was agreement about the potential to affect positive change in education and engineering. However, differing epistemologies hindered clear communication and thus optimal collaboration between the two groups.

Authors

• Katherine Chesnutt, North Carolina State University

• Osman Aksit, North Carolina State University

• Shelley A Glimcher, North Carolina State University

• M. Gail Jones, North Carolina State University