Community College and University Engineering Students' Perceptions of Classroom Climate and Fundamental Engineering Skills

• In Event: 52.043 - STEM Student Success: From Transfer to Baccalaureate Completion

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine engineering students’ perceptions of their classroom climate, in the context of either their community college or their four-year university, and how these perceptions are related to fundamental skills in engineering. Data from students in 31 universities and 15 pre-engineering community college programs were examined. After establishing measures for classroom climate and fundamental engineering skills, results indicated that university students had higher perceptions of their fundamental engineering skills as compared to community college students. Community college engineering students, on the other hand, perceived their classroom climates as warmer than university engineering students. For both groups, a warmer perception of classroom climate was associated with a higher perception of fundamental engineering skills.

Authors

• Maria Stack Hankey, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• Penny L. Burge, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• David Knight, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• Rick Seidel, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute

• Gary E. Skaggs, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University