Making the Grade: Student Perspectives on the State of Manufacturing Engineering Education in America. Results of a 1988 Student Program Sponsored by the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences

摘要

The report summarizes the results of a program designed to give American engineering students a closer look at the latest manufacturing technology advances through attendance at nationally-recognized industry trade shows. Twenty-two students attended two major expositions: the 1988 International Machine Tool Show and Autofact 88. As part of the program, the students participated in a videotaped round table discussion at the trade shows and later submitted written critiques of their observations. Probably the most striking observation made by the majority of students was the global magnitude of manufacturing. While the U.S. dominated both shows in sheer numbers of displays, the students were clearly both amazed and alarmed at the powerful presence of Japan. They also noted that in spite of its importance to a healthy American economy, manufacturing traditionally has not been among the more glamorous fields to pursue. Universities need to get back to the basics in their engineering curricula. Industry and academia must work together in providing 'hands-on' training to better prepare young people for careers in manufacturing. Finally, the federal government should 'beef up' its support of improved programs.