Contextual Preparation of Future Engineers: A non-Western Perspective

Abstract

The advent of technological communication and modern travel has increased the likelihood that graduates from engineering programs will work in environments containing integrated cultures, customs, and languages. One may question whether these graduates are ready to face challenges beyond the realm of engineering problem solving and mathematics. This work calls attention to the need for preparing students, particularly those from western societies, to the ways and customs of non-western peoples. It seeks to lift the conscience of engineering educators to address this need in greater depth and to motivate engineering programs to integrate better the topics of cultural understanding within the engineering curriculum.