<p>The following is a link to an article that appeared on October 22nd in Design News. This article discusses the problem with engineering education at most engineering schools. Note that only two schools were given good reviews: Harvey Mudd and Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering. </p>
<p>Design</a> News for Mechanical and Design Engineers articlePrint</p>
<p>This reminds me of a class my daughter had at Olin, with a prof who came there from a relatively well-thought of university known for engineering and medicine.</p>
<p>She detested him. He told her class that he thought the students at Olin were below par and not hard working, like at his "other" school. After one academic year, he returned to his previous school. He holds a named professorship there.</p>
<p>Even for profs, "fit" is everything and this guy was a bad fit for Olin, but he seemed to be content at his other, traditional-style, engineering dept.</p>
<p>I did look this guy up on one of the prof rating sites. . . I know those sites aren't scientific measurement, but I was curious. Students at his university made comments similar to my daughter's experience with this prof while he was at Olin --"Teachs with drawings of potatos and then gets angry when you can't apply this on his exams. If you go to office hours, he'll make you feel like an idiot for not understanding something. Sends emails that can be summarized as "you're the dumbest class i've ever had." Almost dropped the major because of him, but realized he just hated his life." </p>
<p>I don't think Olin administration, faculty, or students would tolerate someone like that. I was surprised he made it through the selection process, frankly.</p>
<p>Maybe other schools hire faculty based primarily on research, and the ability to bring in research money, and interest or ability to teach aren't considered priorities.</p>