International Service as a Means of Improving Retention of Engineering Students

Abstract

Abstract International Service as a Means of Improving Retention of Engineering StudentsOne of the most significant challenges facing engineering education is the chronic problem ofinclusion and retention of underrepresented minority (URM) groups. An interesting nuance is theloss of students who are making satisfactory grades at the moment they withdraw. In fact,research from the US Department of Education has indicated that fewer than 10% of studentswho leave engineering are motivated to do so because of low grades. Instead, many of thesestudents have a difficult time connecting the work of introductory engineering classes with local,national and international societal issues. The impact of this discontinuity is especiallypronounced in motivating URM students to depart despite good academic standing.Service learning has been integrated into many non-engineering curricula with success indeveloping skills, promoting social engagement. In engineering settings service learningprovides experiential learning to help students appreciate the non-engineering related aspects toproblem solving and has been identified by many engineering education researchers as importantto developing practical skills in students. It can also be used to illuminate the link betweenengineering and society at moments when students seek such a connection.The authors have started an international service club with activities developing in Peru. Thepaper presents an overview of some of the international service activities currently underwaywhich have resulted in good participation, and exceptionally strong interest by URM students.Students were surveyed as to their desire to integrate service in their careers and ways thatinvolvement in the club has fulfilled these desires. Results of the survey are presented alongwith plans that have been developed by the authors to structure the program for improvedrecruitment and retention of URM engineering students.

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