The Department of Engineering Education is committed to advancing how engineering is taught, learned, and understood. Our research spans a wide spectrum of activity, from reflective teaching to theory-driven studies. We use a four-level model to describe the different ways our faculty and students engage in Engineering Education Research:
Level 1: Excellent Teaching
This level involves the effective use of good content and proven teaching methods to support student learning. It reflects intentional efforts to improve instruction through experience, student feedback, and sound pedagogy.
Level 2: Scholarly Teaching
At this level, teaching practice is informed by research and best practices in the field. Faculty use classroom assessment and evidence gathering to refine instruction, drawing on existing knowledge and inviting collaboration and peer input. Scholarly teaching goes beyond intuition and is grounded in thoughtful, evidence-based decision-making.
Level 3: Scholarship of Teaching
This level represents a shift toward formal inquiry. Faculty systematically investigate teaching and learning through question-asking, data collection, and interpretation. The results are made public and open to critique, allowing others to build upon the work. Scholarship of Teaching helps connect individual teaching practices to broader educational conversations.
Level 4: Rigorous Research in Engineering Education
This level involves the highest level of inquiry, beginning with complex research questions such as “why” or “how”—not just “what” or “how much.” These studies are grounded in learning, pedagogical, or social theory, with careful attention to research design and methods. The goal is to produce findings with broad significance and lasting impact on the field of engineering education.
This continuum allows for inclusive engagement in engineering education research, whether you are experimenting with a new teaching method or leading a national study on equity in engineering classrooms. Our department supports and values contributions across all four levels.