Basic Research on Women Engineering Recognition applied Triangulation Method

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to research the women engineers' recognition with a triangulation method and make suggestions on desirable education in engineering. The research period is for about 4 months from December 15, 2007 to April 4, 2008. The objects of the research are two groups of female engineers at D college located in the metropolitan area – the first group had 187 women engineering majors, 3 women graduate students and 2 women professors in engineering department, and the second group had 5 women engineering majors who once stayed out of school temporarily, 4 women engineering graduates, and 5 graduates who are currently working. The second group is intently selected in order to look into the detailed factors that affect the recognition of women engineers. The methods of the research varied and included were surveys on the web, personal interviews, focus meetings, surveys by e-mail and telephone, etc. The results of the study show what the women engineers want in engineering education includes to have role models of women engineers who can cast a vision to them, get a leadership training especially for when they lead a group that has both man and woman members. It was also found that experincing a cooperative learning through diverse projects is essential to build basic character training and competency, and practical education is required for the major or becoming a full time worker.