ERIC Number: EJ1358677
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2323-7112
EISSN: N/A
Languaging and Conceptual Understanding in Engineering Mathematics
Rinneheimo, Kirsi-Maria; Suhonen, Sami
LUMAT: International Journal on Math, Science and Technology Education, v10 n2 p171-189 2022
The ability to apply mathematical concepts and procedures in relevant contexts in engineering subjects sets the fundamental basis for the mathematics competencies in engineering education. Among the plethora of digital techniques and tools arises a question: Do the students gain a deep and conceptual enough understanding of mathematics that they are able to apply mathematical concepts in engineering studies? This paper introduces the use of languaging exercises in the engineering mathematics course 'Differential Calculus' during the spring semester 2020, at Tampere University of Applied Sciences, TAMK. In this study, the students' conceptual understanding and learning of differential calculus is researched. In the learning process, the languaging method is used to deepen the conceptual understanding of the concepts of differential calculus. Pre-test/post-test setup was used to see the possible gain in conceptual understanding. During the course, students did online assignments, which included languaging exercises. Students described the concepts of differential calculus using natural language, pictures, or a combination of them. The students were also asked to fill in a self-evaluation form to collect their perception of their own knowledge of mathematical skills. Mid-term and final exams summarized the acquired knowledge. The study aimed to enhance the learning outcomes and to gain a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts by exploiting the languaging method.
Descriptors: Mathematical Concepts, Engineering Education, Mathematics Skills, Calculus, College Students, Concept Formation, Educational Technology, Technology Uses in Education, Mathematical Logic, Language Usage, Thinking Skills, Persuasive Discourse, Symbolic Language, Pictorial Stimuli
LUMA Centre Finland. University of Helsinki. A.I. Virtasen aukio 1, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland. Tel: +358-50-348-0567; e-mail: editor@lumat.fi; Web site: https://journals.helsinki.fi/lumat
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A