Recruiting Future Engineers Through Effective Guest Speaking In Elementary School Classrooms.

Young, K.

Technical Information Center Oak Ridge Tennessee

关键词: Education;    Engineers;    Schools;    Classroom instruction;    Volunteers;   

RP-ID  :  DE2008923479

学科分类：工程和技术（综合）

美国|英语

来源: National Technical Reports Library

【 摘 要 】

In this paper, the author describes how engineers can increase the number of future engineers by volunteering as guest speakers in the elementary school classroom. The paper is divided into three main subjects. First, the importance of engineers speaking directly with young students is discussed. Next, several best practice techniques for speaking with young students are described. Finally, information on getting started as a guest speaker is presented, and a list of resources available to guest speakers is provided. The guest engineer speaking to an elementary school audience (ages 6-11) performs a critical role in encouraging young students to pursue a career in engineering. Often, he or she is the first engineer these students meet in person, providing a crucial first impression of the engineering career field and a positive visual image of what an engineer really looks like. A dynamic speaker presenting a well-delivered talk creates a lasting, positive impression on students, influencing their future decisions to pursue careers in engineering. By reaching these students early in life, the guest speaker will help dispel the many prevailing stereotypes about engineers which discourage so many students, especially young women, from considering this career.