This might come across as a very strange question but is it uncommon to find engineers who did not enjoy school or think highly of the schools that they attended? I have encountered numerous computing and IT types over the years who did not enjoy school or had bad experiences at school but very few electrical or mechanical engineers.
As an ex-teacher, I found the work in schools to be reliant on teachers knowing engineering out of school to be able to enthuse the kids. I was an engineer in industry before that, 5 years, then taught ( though I am back in Engineering now). But when I taught, I was able to relate design in class, even get real life situations in class so that the kids could design to the real world situation. This included drawing, planning AND Maths. By getting together with architects, engineers and asking student to design what they are doing for real gives the students an incentive and also if there is good enough design ideas, could be used by the Architects/engineers. It's about engagement.
As for practical, it is limiting, but getting the students hands dirty was the best way and they loved it. But it does give them an understanding of materials.
As they go into 6th form, they need to find a company to do 2 weeks with them. The inspiration is great.
As an ex-teacher, I found the work in schools to be reliant on teachers knowing engineering out of school to be able to enthuse the kids. I was an engineer in industry before that, 5 years, then taught ( though I am back in Engineering now). But when I taught, I was able to relate design in class, even get real life situations in class so that the kids could design to the real world situation. This included drawing, planning AND Maths. By getting together with architects, engineers and asking student to design what they are doing for real gives the students an incentive and also if there is good enough design ideas, could be used by the Architects/engineers. It's about engagement.
As for practical, it is limiting, but getting the students hands dirty was the best way and they loved it. But it does give them an understanding of materials.
As they go into 6th form, they need to find a company to do 2 weeks with them. The inspiration is great.
