2006 FEEC Evaluations

The following is a breakdown of the 120+ persons who attended.

• 23% - K12 administrators (superintendents, principals, assistant principals and administrative staff)
• 43% - STEM Teachers/Educators (science, math, engineering and technology)
• 16% - Other educators (higher education faculty/staff, pre-college business, history, career development, etc.)
• 18% - Other persons (guidance counselors, workforce personnel, business owners and VP’s, practicing and retired engineers)

Approximately half of the attendees responded to the Florida Engineering Education Conference evaluation.  

The majority of those who responded were K12 STEM teachers, K12 administrators and coordinators, and other K12 teachers.  The responses also reflect some input from higher education attendees, practicing/retired engineers, workforce representatives and others.  We are most grateful to those who responded as their feedback and comments will be used to continue the conference and make suggested improvements.

Section One speaks to the personal value of the conference with regard to attendees who responded to the evaluation.  Based on the data, our highest marks (combined Good and Very Good scores) were for "showcasing what is happening in engineering education" (the intent and theme for this first year conference) and for providing "useful information for my organization".  We also received good scores for enabling attendees to "make important contacts". Our weakest combined scores (77.05%) were for aiding attendees regarding their job responsibilities.  This is the most difficult category to impact given our limited knowledge of attendees' job responsibilities and daily activities.  All in all, the data speaks very well to what was accomplished this first year and provides a blueprint for making improvements.

Analysis of Attendee Comments re: Section One:

A number of attendees' comments suggested they enjoyed the fast-paced venue, appreciated the opportunity to be kept up to date with what is happening and remarked the conference was an excellent format to share information (an essential part of education).  Others suggested short breaks between sessions, hosting the conference at the beginning of the school year, wanted the conference to start earlier in the morning (8:00 am to 8:30 am), taking questions at the end of each panelist's presentation and that Friday is not the best day for a teacher to take time off from their job.  Other comments included good location (Central Florida), more opportunities for educators to network and provide better directions to persons attending from out of town.

Analysis of Four Panel Sessions:

The first and fourth panels received the highest scores. The third panel was next and then the second panel.  Attendee' comments focused on giving panelists technical control of their presentations and highlighting more federal initiatives. There was remarkably few comments concerning the content of the presentations.  This would indicate we did a reasonable job in terms of showcasing a diverse mix of appropriate subject matter via the presenters.

Section One continues with attendees' evaluation of the management of the conference.  The combined Good and Very Good scores were consistently (less one category) in the ninety percentile range.  On-line registration, the conference folder and handouts and conference location received the highest scores.  The next areas (still in the ninety plus combined good and very good percentile range) included conference organization, conference date and quality of food.  The only category to receive less than a ninety percent combined score was the information provided via the conference website (that received a combined 85% score).  To say the least, UCF-CECS is very pleased with our first year results and reflects on the quality of the partners, CECS support and conference facility support.

Section Two of the evaluation asked attendees if they were supportive of UCF-CECS hosting the Florida Engineering Education Conference as an annual event?

98% of the attendees indicated they were supportive of UCF-CECS hosting an annual Florida Engineering Education Conference.  

The comments from attendees regarding section two supported the need for the conference as many indicated the importance of staying abreast of what is happening and having the ability to network with other STEM educators. Some felt is was an "essential part of the education process" while others sought to learn more regarding how to, "contact colleges/university personnel and community, businesses to help with providing the best possible education to our students." Most teachers recognized the importance "to raise concern over the need for math and science".  There were multiple comments regarding the importance of the conference site being a centralized location.

A final evaluation question addressed if the conference became an annual event and lasted two or more days, what should be added/deleted?  A number of attendees cited workshops, breakout sessions, hand-on activities and tours of engineering facilities as being important additions.  There were suggestions for exhibits and the possibility of having separate days for elementary, middle and high school teachers.  Attendees wanted more contact with presenters, less time for introducing speakers and highlight more engineering education programs being offered by pre-college teachers. 

The data from the conference attendees' evaluations have provided UCF-CECS with a mandate to continue the Florida Engineering Education Conference.  Their guidance in the form of suggestions and qualified responses to substantiate needed changes/additions will be reflected in the FEEC 2007 section of this website.  We have learned a great deal and are again most grateful for those who took the time to attend the conference and respond to the evaluation.