THE “SUCCESSFUL” S&E STUDENTTHE “SUCCESSFUL” S&E STUDENTMy thoughts on favorable attributes of high school students entering a universityMy thoughts on favorable attributes of high school students entering a university

Fred Gunnerson, Ph.D.Fred Gunnerson, Ph.D.University of IdahoUniversity of Idaho

gunner@if.uidaho.edugunner@if.uidaho.edu

GNEP National Physics Teachers WorkshopGNEP National Physics Teachers WorkshopIdaho Falls, IDIdaho Falls, ID July 15-20, 2007July 15-20, 2007

How does one define the “successful student”?How does one define the “successful student”?

• Academic success?

Community College / University / Degrees / Vocational

• Professional success?

Doctor / Lawyer / Chemist / Physicist / Engineer / Technician

• Others?

Attributes of the typical ‘successful’ S&E student?Attributes of the typical ‘successful’ S&E student?

• Motivated (keen on learning, excited)

• Academic Basics (math, physics, chemistry)

• Intellectual Curiosity (Disney & NASA examples)

• Disciplined (time management, study & homework)

• Societal Awareness (regional, national, global perspectives)

• Others?

What I tell my studentsWhat I tell my students

THE SECRETS OF SUCCESSTHE SECRETS OF SUCCESS

• Be there• Pay attention• Ask question(s)• Don’t give up• Be nice

QUESTIONS?QUESTIONS?

Engineering career fields in demand?mechanical, chemical, nuclear, electrical, computer, others?

Starting salaries?$45k - $65k / year

Are internships important?

How can the high schools and universities work together to prepare students?