This survey was developed as part of the ECSEL evaluation program. It was designed to provide a basis for judging whether alternative approaches to teaching engineering design are effective when compared with more conventional approaches. It gathers information on the extent to which students are exposed to selected instructional practices in a particular class (collaborative learning, problem solving activities, feedback, interaction with faculty and peers). It also solicits students' self-reports of gains in engineering design, problem-solving, communications, and working in groups.
Since the initial pilot testing in the Spring semester 1997 several items (relating to problem solving) have been written to be more clear about the distinction between formal/structured/ textbook/mathematical/engineering problem solving (with a known, "right" answer) and unstructured problem solving (where no "right" solution exists).
The instrument should work at all undergraduate levels. With some
modifications in items, it might be useful in courses outside
engineering. Administration is intended to be late in a course.
