About TIDEE
Challenges of design education and assessment led to the formation of the Transferable Integrated Design Engineering Education (TIDEE) consortium in the mid 1990s. The consortium was focused on affecting continuous improvement in engineering design education.
Over time, additional institutions across the country have collaborated in expanding definitions of engineering design educational outcomes and in the development and dissemination of assessments for student achievement in design.
Importance of Design
Educators in partnership with industry have identified the need for engineering design experiences stretching from the first year of academic study through graduation. These hands-on design projects provide opportunities for students to become adept at the process as well as to relate the application of engineering to the needs of society.
Team based activities engage students in collaborative efforts that encourage and support success of diverse student populations in engineering programs. Effective engineering design education develops skills employers seek in engineering graduates. The Transferable Integrated Design Engineering Education (TIDEE) project focuses on developing and assessing students' capabilities in engineering design.
The end goal is to produce qualified and successful engineers for future generations. In order to achieve this goal, design education must be transferable. Specifically, the process for garnering consistent results must be achieved at one institution (or in one program) and accepted in another. Secondly, it must be integrated holistically throughout the student's education. Third, it must educate students and document the learning of content and skills important to engineering practice. In sum, effective engineering design education requires faculty who understand design and also have the ability to model and teach design. TIDEE works toward this outcome.
