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A preliminary study of transferable skills for electrical and electronic engineers
Author
Nemai Chandra Karmakar
Supervisor
Murphy, Jim (James Raymond)
Abstract
The new engineer who is driving the global economy is now being challenged to acquire transferable skills and attributes in addition to technical competency. Transferable skills and attributes include analytical and critical thinking, adequate flexibility, lifelong learning, interpersonal and good communication skills. According to the Stevens Institute of Technology, New Jersey and Aulich's report in Australia, these qualities in professional courses are lacking. This report studies staff perceptions of students' transferable skill acquisition in the School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Nanyang Technological University (NTU). Transferable Skills Questionnaire (TSQ) with 21 attributes is based on an instrument used previously at University of Technology, Sydney (UTS). TSQ was distributed to 31 staff who provided data that reveal that staff are confident of their ability to transfer appropriate skills well. The NTU results are compared with the similar results from UTS. The study shows, on the one hand, that NTU staff surveyed are less sensitive to social and industrial contexts and needs and occupational health and safety issues. On the other hand, the strong belief of staff of their success in transferring skills creates some doubt about their over-estimation of their success. The report recommends redesigning the cuniculum and assessment methods to emphasise the acquisition of transferable skills in each subject in every program. This cannot be achieved overnight. Constraints are large class sizes and the existing surface learning culture derived from continual assessment and examinations. Bringing about change in people and organisations to implementation new ideals requires momentum, different attitudes, skill levels, perceptions and vision - in short, a mindset change.
Date Issued
2001
Call Number
T65.3 Nem
Date Submitted
2001