Exploring the Relationship Between Communication Skills and Performance in First-Year Engineering

Authors

Michelle E. Jarvie-Eggart, Michigan Technological UniversityFollow
Laura Fiss, Michigan Technological UniversityFollow
Karla Saari Kitalong, Michigan Technological UniversityFollow

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

6-15-2019

Department

Pavlis Honors College

Abstract

This Complete Research paper attempts to uncover the links between incoming student ACT (math and English language arts (ELA) scores) and performance in first year engineering and composition courses to determine if a remedial path was needed for students with low ELA skills. Statistically significant differences were found between ACT math and ELA scores, with incoming engineering students possessing greater math than ELA abilities. However, even students with ELA scores 7-points lower than the mean ACT composite score performed adequately in first year engineering courses, indicating no need for a communication focused remedial path in first year engineering.

Publisher's Statement

© 2019 American Society for Engineering Education. Publisher’s version of record: https://peer.asee.org/32815

Publication Title

2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Recommended Citation

Jarvie-Eggart, M. E., Fiss, L., & Kitalong, K. S. (2019). Exploring the Relationship Between Communication Skills and Performance in First-Year Engineering. 2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition.
Retrieved from: https://digitalcommons.mtu.edu/michigantech-p/1008