ComplyingwithABETCriteria2000ImplementinganIntegratedKnowledgeBasedApproachtoLearning(IKBAL).docVIP

Chapter 7 Complying with ABET Criteria 2000: Implementing an Integrated Knowledge Based Approach to Learning (IKBAL) EROL INELMEN Bogazici University, Bebek, Istanbul, TURKEY. 80815 E-mail: inelmen@.tr Conventional teaching methods are no more adequate to satisfy the demands of employers. As stated in the ABET Criteria 2000 document, graduates are expected to have the ability “to apply knowledge, design systems, work in teams, communicate effectively, understand global problems, engage in life-long learning and use modern tools”. In order to comply with these requirements, education institutions must change their approach to learning. In this paper we argue that since creating an environment that will encourage creative work, is more important than the completion of the program, practice should have the primacy. The key in creating such an atmosphere depends on how well an “integrated knowledge based approach to learning” can be implemented. Personal experience gained in last two decades has shown how such an approach can be rewarding for both the instructor and the learner. Introduction Personal experience during the last two decades has shown that the delivery of assignments, continuous guidance and evaluation of outcomes are the three pillars of any effective education program. Within this framework, we have introduced in our courses the view that the quality of practice should have the primacy [1], accepting as a consequence the fact that quantity of knowledge exposure may be sacrificed Evidence voiced by graduate students gives as the needed confidence to continue this practice and share the results with the engineering community. Nowadays, assignments should be based ill-defined statements. Rules and expectations must be made clear at the very beginning. Objections to grades must be dealt with tact and genuine interest, pride –being a strong motivating factor- must be shown in the individual work. Instructor must have personal interest in the topics selected