Engineering Education Reform in a Large Research University: Strategies and Reflections on Innovation

As the nature of engineering problems evolve at an ever quickening pace in an increasingly global marketplace; academic institutions are faced with strong and mounting pressures to adapt decades-old engineering education models in order to maintain their educational influence, relevance, and position with respect to students, industry, and the greater society. This transformation is especially challenging in the context of major research institutions with longstanding traditions of high quality engineering education. This paper presents a model for engineering education reform through an ongoing initiative within the College of Engineering at University of Illinois. Factors such as institutional resistance to transformation are considered and potential solutions are offered. The paper explores the power of pilot programs aimed at encouraging freshmen student involvement, development, and interaction. Consideration is given to implementation issues, and scalability within the context of the current pilot program. A focus on student leadership development and learning is presented within the program framework. Discussion of the role that upper level undergraduates and graduate students play in the operation of the program is also presented. Preliminary efficacy of the program and its future at the University of Illinois will be discussed. Upcoming challenges for the model will be considered with a primary focus on the challenges inherent in a program that relies heavily on student leadership and engagement. Concluding comments will be made regarding pilot programs as a vehicle for implementing engineering education transformation.