Using collaborative pedagogy to recruit technology students from first-year engineering

Universities with engineering programs generally offer a first semester course entitled "Introduction to Engineering" or "Engineering 101." At Central Michigan University (CMICH), this course is team taught by several faculty members including a professor associated with CMICH's technology programs. The academic history of each student who registered for "Introduction to Engineering" was monitored. The primary courses monitored consisted of engineering, technology, and math. From the data collected, having a technology professor involved has increased student enrollment in the technology programs without negatively impacting the enrollment in the engineering programs. The mechanical engineering technology program has had the greatest improvement in enrollment. Developing positive and professional relationships between faculty members across engineering and technology disciplines can be implemented at similar universities to help recruit (and retain) technology-interested students. This paper includes areas in pedagogy change, data collection, enrollment and persistence demographics, and conclusions.