Anyone notice Engineering the Future: A vision for the future of UK Engineering - a report from the combined forces of IET, IMechE, ICE, IChemE, IoP, RAE, Engineering Council and EngineeringUK? It seemed to slip out with barely a wimper let alone fanfare yesterday. I only found it after reading a letter in the Grauniad and clicking on about 20 google hits matching the report title until I found a copy buried somewhere on IET's site. It seems to have no website of its own. It's not mentioned in any release on the Royal Academy's website's news page... And to top it all, the report does not strike me as very imaginative. Less imaginative than the recent reports from the Royal Society and Dyson-for-the-Conservatives.
On education it calls for more focus on STEM in schools and colleges, including specialist science and technology teachers, who should maintain strong links with industry through CPD. It wants better career information and guidance in schools too, especially on where a course of study might lead. About the only thing you may not have heard here from these professional bodies before is the positive mention for the 14-19 Engineering Diploma. I'd link to it but I thought those interested might have a fun time trying to find it for themselves.
Chris
-----Original Message-----
From: psci-com: on public engagement with science [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Michael Kenward
Sent: 18 March 2010 09:54
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [PSCI-COM] Science GCSE - a student's view
This is a good point.
It might be slightly reassuring to know that the engineering bodies at
least are on the case.
They are aware of the fact that schools are notable for not having anyone on
staff who understands what engineering is all about. (Too many teachers
still deter would be engineers with misconceptions about mucky overalls.)
They do try to chip in on curriculum thinking.
Whether or not the institutions are the best people for this is another
matter. (Governments have moaned about being pestered by too many of them
trying to say the same thing.) These are, after all, the people who have
found it difficult to come together with a single voice on other matters of
Public Engagement in Science and Technology, rushing off to duplicate what
the others get up to.
Actually, there have recently been signs of abatement in this duplication,
with some genuine joint initiatives happening.
___________________________________
Michael Kenward
Science Writer & Stuff
Genetically modified words for sale
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