Abstract
One of the uses of Engineering Mathematics is to provide underpinning knowledge which is useful and often essential for Engineering modules later in an undergraduate engineering degree course. It can be the case, however, that students perceive distinct boundaries between an Engineering Mathematics module and Engineering modules and fail to link what is being taught in both. The purpose here is to help alleviate this problem by incorporating a computer algebra system into an Engineering Mathematics module, so making the teaching and learning process more accessible and meaningful, providing students with a more realistic way of how professional engineers tackle problems today, increasing student skills, hopefully increasing their interest and finally breaking down the boundary alluded to above. The inclusion of the computer algebra system gave students a better appreciation of how essential Engineering Mathematics is within Engineering modules in general. However, its inclusion had a detrimental effect on interest. It was noted from the survey that the students liked the hands-on and self-discovery approach.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 199-209 |
| Number of pages | 11 |
| Journal | International Journal of Engineering Education |
| Volume | 30 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 2014 |
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Keywords
- Computer algebra system
- Engineering mathematics
- Integration
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Engineering(all)
- Education
Cite this
Making engineering mathematics more relevant using a computer algebra system. / Adair, Desmond; Jaeger, Martin.
In: International Journal of Engineering Education, Vol. 30, No. 1, 2014, p. 199-209.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Making engineering mathematics more relevant using a computer algebra system
AU - Adair, Desmond
AU - Jaeger, Martin
PY - 2014
Y1 - 2014
N2 - One of the uses of Engineering Mathematics is to provide underpinning knowledge which is useful and often essential for Engineering modules later in an undergraduate engineering degree course. It can be the case, however, that students perceive distinct boundaries between an Engineering Mathematics module and Engineering modules and fail to link what is being taught in both. The purpose here is to help alleviate this problem by incorporating a computer algebra system into an Engineering Mathematics module, so making the teaching and learning process more accessible and meaningful, providing students with a more realistic way of how professional engineers tackle problems today, increasing student skills, hopefully increasing their interest and finally breaking down the boundary alluded to above. The inclusion of the computer algebra system gave students a better appreciation of how essential Engineering Mathematics is within Engineering modules in general. However, its inclusion had a detrimental effect on interest. It was noted from the survey that the students liked the hands-on and self-discovery approach.
AB - One of the uses of Engineering Mathematics is to provide underpinning knowledge which is useful and often essential for Engineering modules later in an undergraduate engineering degree course. It can be the case, however, that students perceive distinct boundaries between an Engineering Mathematics module and Engineering modules and fail to link what is being taught in both. The purpose here is to help alleviate this problem by incorporating a computer algebra system into an Engineering Mathematics module, so making the teaching and learning process more accessible and meaningful, providing students with a more realistic way of how professional engineers tackle problems today, increasing student skills, hopefully increasing their interest and finally breaking down the boundary alluded to above. The inclusion of the computer algebra system gave students a better appreciation of how essential Engineering Mathematics is within Engineering modules in general. However, its inclusion had a detrimental effect on interest. It was noted from the survey that the students liked the hands-on and self-discovery approach.
KW - Computer algebra system
KW - Engineering mathematics
KW - Integration
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UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=84893838499&partnerID=8YFLogxK
M3 - Article
VL - 30
SP - 199
EP - 209
JO - International Journal of Engineering Education
JF - International Journal of Engineering Education
SN - 0949-149X
IS - 1
ER -