Coren memo on new engineers
You're referring to the infamous "Coren Memo"!
The Coren Memo is a document written by Dr. Stanley Coren, a renowned psychologist and expert on human intelligence, in 1994. The memo was addressed to the Canadian government and outlined his concerns about the quality of new engineers being produced by Canadian universities.
In the memo, Dr. Coren argued that many new engineers were not adequately prepared for the demands of the profession, citing issues such as:
- Lack of mathematical and scientific knowledge: Many students were not adequately prepared in mathematics and science, which are essential for engineering.
- Poor problem-solving skills: Engineers need to be able to analyze complex problems and develop effective solutions. Dr. Coren argued that many students lacked these skills.
- Inadequate communication skills: Engineers need to be able to communicate complex ideas effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences. Dr. Coren believed that many students were not adequately prepared in this area.
- Lack of practical experience: Many students were not getting enough hands-on experience in the laboratory or in industry, which is essential for developing practical skills.
Dr. Coren's memo sparked a significant debate about the quality of engineering education in Canada and beyond. While some critics argued that his concerns were overstated, others saw the memo as a wake-up call for the engineering profession to improve its standards and prepare students better for the demands of the profession.
The Coren Memo has had a lasting impact on engineering education, leading to changes in curriculum design, teaching methods, and assessment practices. It has also inspired research into the cognitive and educational factors that influence engineering students' learning and performance.
Do you have any specific questions about the Coren Memo or its implications for engineering education?