Winter 1996

Global education symposium focuses on 21st century

They came from halfway around the world to Rose-Hulman to discuss the future of engineering education. Even though their focus was on the 21st century, the symposium they attended was historic.

It was historic because it may have been the first time that a Japanese college has sent so many faculty overseas to a single event for the purpose of improving education.

Forty-two engineering professors or administrators from Kanazawa Institute of Technology (KIT) visited Rose-Hulman for three days to discuss ways to meet the 21st century needs of engineering and science students.

Faculty discussed how to prepare students for the global workplace, innovative curricula, new uses of technology, and creative techniques in science education.

"The symposium was a very significant event," Rose-Hulman President Samuel Hulbert said. "It will lead to new educational ideas based on international collaboration."

"The group represented nearly 20 percent of KIT’s faculty," Hulbert noted. "Their commitment of human and financial resources to attend the symposium illustrates the importance KIT places on this collaboration."

"It was an honor for Rose-Hulman to be selected by KIT as the American college where it sent so many faculty to learn about innovations in engineering and science education," Hulbert emphasized.

Rose-Hulman has had a faculty and student exchange with KIT for several years. KIT, a private coeducational institution, is ranked as one of Japan’s best colleges. All degrees awarded by KIT are in engineering.

KIT president Ken-ichi Ishikawa, who was among those attending the symposium, said the discussions with Rose-Hulman faculty were vital because KIT is in the midst of curricular reform.

"We would like to introduce what we learned at the symposium into our curriculum," Ishikawa said.

"This is the first time for KIT to participate in such an event. We are certain that we can achieve our future goals because we have learned a great deal from Rose-Hulman during the symposium," Ishikawa said.

The exchange of educational ideas has benefited both institutions, says Hulbert. "We’re learning a lot together," he noted. "Our faculty and students returning from KIT bring back new ideas. I’m confident that Rose-Hulman is having a significant impact on curriculum development at KIT," he said.

KIT faculty are especially interested in three areas where Rose-Hulman has earned a national reputation for innovation, according to Scott Clark, director of international programs and global studies at Rose-Hulman.

"Our engineering design programs, integrated first-year curriculum and various teaching methodologies were the main topics of discussion," said Clark, who along with a committee of faculty and staff organized the symposium.

Hulbert believes that Rose-Hulman and KIT are among the world’s leading institutions in recognizing the need for educational change and innovation.

KIT has instituted a Factory for Dreams and Ideas which is used for the development of student projects and developed innovative curricula such as an extensive Japanese technical language program.

In addition to presentations by Rose-Hulman faculty and hands-on activities using the latest educational technology, the symposium also featured a presentation by Winfred Phillips, president of the American Society of Engineering Education. Phillips also serves as president of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology which approves all engineering degree programs at U.S. colleges and universities.

The symposium was the third involving the two colleges. KIT hosted the first two meetings. The fourth symposium will take place next summer or fall at KIT.