Senior design projects: initiation into the professional community

The authors discuss some issues that are involved in helping students, as well as others, recognize the different communities that students function in. They begin with a discussion of discourse community as theoretical background to the observations made. Next they analyze the role that the student plays in the laboratory setting and in the design course setting. They conclude with an appraisal of student performance in the industry setting. The authors´ analysis is based on: (1) a comparison of design course experiences and academic laboratory experiences, (2) observation and participation in three design course projects that were sponsored by industry, and (3) interviews with the faculty monitors and industry sponsors of the projects. A comparison of student laboratory and design project experiences reveals that the distinguishing characteristics of the design project experience that are similar to industry experiences include solving of open-ended problems, acquiring background knowledge, and recognizing industry priorities