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Welcome to Engineer-it

The Engineer-it resource, for learners of all ages, provides information about how to 'engineer' successful outcomes particularly in situations of complex uncertanty. 'Engineering' is viewed as an overarching strategy widely used beyond engineering.

The resource was established in 2021 by the Institution of Engineers in Scotland (IES).

While Engineer-it relates closely to STEM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) it is not confined to these subject areas.

Engineer-it is uses the MediaWiki software platform but it is not 'wiki' i.e. there are limited editing rights. However, it is a 'live' resource that is expected to be continually extended and modified.

For more information about Engineer-it see About

Structure of the resource

The resource is divided into 'modules'.

The Strategies Module outlines a conceptual framework that can be used in a wide range of situations, not only in engineering. The other chapters give instances of the use of the framework in specific contexts.

Those who seek to address the complex problems of the modern world - sustainability, inequality, energy, climate change, waste, etc. - must use these strategies where they are appropriate. All who have, or aspire to have, a responsible role in society should discipline their minds to use them.

21^st century skills

In an article in The Times on the success of the Estonian educational system, it is stated that:

"Estonia has the best education system in Europe, according to the Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa), run by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)."

Here is another quote from the article:

"The education minister says the curriculum is moving away from “knowledge and understanding” towards implementation, analysis, synthesis and assessment”, with more collaboration across subjects."

A secondary school principal is quoted as saying:

“Knowledge is important but, in the end, you need those 21st-century skills: critical thinking, problem solving, communication and collaboration. Learning is about learning from each other and with each other. We say that it’s OK to fail and you can learn from that.”

While these are skills for all centuries, the phrase '21^st century skills' can be used to imply that they are now more important than ever as, for example, we become increasingly aware of the effects on the planet of human activities.

Eit is a resource to support the development of 21^st century skills.