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2. ENGINEERING EDUCATION
2.1 PROBLEM SOLVING PHILOSOPHY
2.1.1 Tips When Solving Problems
1.Even when problems seem impossible keep trying, it will help you learn to solve problems (This is like learning a new sport, except here you are building strength and coordination for problem solving). Solving problems is mainly a skill of recognizing patterns and then using techniques you have seen before.
2.If there is a topic you do not understand in a previous section, it will make it hard to solve problems in more advanced sections.
3.As you solve problems, you will find that you work faster.
4.Avoid shortcuts, they always take longer.
5.Try alternate ways of solving problems, this will strengthen your skills.
6.If you are really stuck on a problem leave it until the next day, then try again.
7.Solve problems with variables, and units, this will reduce errors, and makes errors easier to find and fix.
8.Solving problems is the only way to do well.
9.Always look at your answer to see if it makes sense, and find ways to check the results.
10.Always use Free Body Diagrams, and list assumptions, this will reduce assumption based mistakes in simple problems, and give you clues for solving complicated problems.
11.Carefully read the question before starting. If it is confusing, underlining or writing out the details in point form can help.
2.2 STUDYING ENGINEERING COURSES
2.2.1 How To Get An ‘A’
• A student who will get an ‘A’ grade will typically focus on the material in the course, more than on the marks it is worth.
review and study
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is exam
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do assignment
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get notes and read introduction skim over the rest of the course
read a few pages ahead in the course notes
attend lecture and add to notes during lecture
read the relevant section of 
the text and try problems
identify problem areas then read notes, and text again
are there
major comprehension yes problems?
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try additional problems as required
discuss specific problems with professor
2.2.2 How to Get A ‘C’
• These students typically focus on the value of assigned work and then decide what to work on next. Their work habits are commonly described as ‘firefighting’. While this method appears to be the most efficient, the rush-to-submit often decreases the learning value significantly for the time spent.
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2.2.3 How to get an ‘F’
• These students are rarely in class and count on others to keep them up to date. They typically measure their performance by asking other students how they are doing, and are often heard to say things like - “I can always ride the bell”, “they can’t fail us all”, “I don’t need to go to lectures”, and “It’s OK I took this course before”.
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