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Assessment of the Practical Training Requirement in Engineering Education in Palestinian Universities

Riyad Abdel-Karim Ph.D. and Samir Helou Ph.D. P.E.

An-Najah National UniversityNablus-Palestine

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Purpose of Study

Observations

• Students learn science in classrooms• Knowledge limited to textbooks• Rehash of the prevailing technology• Limited transfer of knowledge

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Considering

• Role of Engineering in development• The Palestinian Territories towards

statehood.• Future technical leadership at stake. • The measured student satisfaction in

this case is more of a concern than a comforting outcome.

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University requirement

• Training a degree requirement • Testimony for the need for hands-on

technical experience.

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ABET, emphasizes :

• Life long learning.• Ability to utilize modern engineering

tools.

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Measured indicators: • Supplementary knowledge.• Preparation for the first job.• Technical writing.• Administrative skills.• Detailed drawing.• Motivation for starting a private

entrepreneurship.• Computer skills.• Familiarity with codes of Practice.• Development of interpersonal skills • Building analytical capacity.

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Methodology of Study

• Questionnaire prepared distributed to a number of students

• Excluded Gaza• Bar charts portray results

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Figure 1. General Evaluation of Students in The PalestinianFigure 1. General Evaluation of Students in The PalestinianUniversities For Internship Course

Figure 1. General Evaluation of Students in The PalestinianUniversities For Internship Course

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Figure 2. Degree of Satisfaction of Students on various indicators at Palestinian universities

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Figure 3. Degree of satisfaction of students on various indicators at Bir Zeit university

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Figure 4. Degree of satisfaction of students on various indicators at An-Najah university

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Figure 5. Degree of satisfaction of students on various indicators at Palestine Technical university (Khadoury)

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Figure 6. Degree of satisfaction of students on various indicators at Palestine Polytechnic university (Hebron)

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Figure 7. Percentage of Students Trained Outside Palestine inComparison with Students Trained Inside Palestine

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Figure 8. Percentage of Distribution of Training Period

Among Different Fields

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Figure 9. Percentage of Distribution of Internship in DifferentTypes of Business

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Conclusion

• Transfer of knowledge does not end with advanced degrees.

• Academic Degrees need to be supplemented with hands-on technical experience.

• Opportunities are/should be made available. • Proper management is desired.• Student Training as a route for transfer of

Knowledge.