Australian engineering academe: A snapshot of demographics and attitudes

Abstract

This paper provides a preliminary review of survey data gathered from engineering academics across Australia during late 2010 and into early 2011. Previously, little has been done to gather and interpret the demographics and attitudes of engineering staff in higher education institutions. The survey was done as part of several Australian Learning & Teaching Council (ALTC) projects addressing challenges in enhancing engineering education practice. This “snap-shot” of the survey data provides some interesting insights into the current status of engineering higher education professionals. It should provide a basis for on-going considerations around challenges, opportunities and barriers related to quality and change management in engineering education. The paper outlines some key areas in engineering academe and educational practice from over 600 respondents covering all major university groupings such as the Group of Eight (Go8), Australian Technological Network (ATN), Innovating Research Universities (IRU) and non-aligned institutions, and over 15 engineering sub-disciplines.