SOCIAL SCIENCES IN EDUCATION OF ENGINEERS

The objective of this paper “Social Sciences in Education of Engineers“ is to outline possibilities for gaining information about the position of the graduates of the CTU and their opinions on the educational process. The study is based upon the author´ s long-term research (1996, 2003, 2005 – 681, 1357, 828 number of respondents from CTU graduates) and concentrates on three main aspects of this problem: the professional position of the graduates, its feedback for the faculty as to the evaluation of acquired knowledge and impulses for the development of their education during regular and postgraduate study within the process of life-long education. After the introduction paper describes the basic methods of sociological research in the above field, especially inquiry, analysis and comparison that ensure reliable conclusions serving the faculty as a foundation for further decision-taking .The results of researches summarises the most important results of the author´ s research relating above all to the professional position of the graduates on the employment market, inquires into the problem of the application of knowledge acquired at the university. It relates not only to theory, but also to practice, knowledge in the field of humanities and social sciences. The results show that the graduates of CTU appreciate the technical way of thought developed during their study that enables them to solve technical problems in the course of decision-taking. In addition, they appreciate the theoretical and practical knowledge. On the other hand, communication with colleagues, team-work and so-called soft skills are evaluated as insufficient. The conclusions and discussions summarise the results of research relating to the further development of education during regular and postgraduate study within the process of lifelong education, mainly in the social sciences. They are based upon the author's experience and long-term pedagogical practice as well as information gained during the implementation of research projects.