Page:Engineering as a vocation (IA cu31924004245605).pdf/106

 are so plainly adapted to the calling, that the problem of the often insufficient preparation is most important. Dr. W. G. Raymond, Dean of the Engineering Schools, Iowa State University, Iowa City, Iowa, has adopted a method which is similar to what is known as Seminary" in European schools. The student, unable to keep up with the class, is taken from the class and taught topically, practically individually, until his sense of perception is dilated, when he goes back into the class, and it has been the experience that such men are leaders in class work for the remainder of the course. This is "unit" instruction, and, as the engineer works on the "unit" system in after life, it is good that some of his instruction, especially if he be backward or deficient, should be on this system. Professor Schneider of the University of Cincinnati has been very successful in establishing combined courses, wherein the students aud instructors alternate between the school and manufacturing establishments, the length of the courses being six years instead of four, in order to enable the student to sandwich in the practical work without losing what he requires of theory. These combined courses are now becoming standard in other schools, the "Seminary" method of Dr. Raymond requiring more work on the part of the teacher and also requiring, on an average, a better grade of teacher in the minor subjects. The engineering course of the future will be not less