ERIC Number: EJ828314
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007-Dec
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0304-3797
EISSN: N/A
Long-Term Retention of Basic Mathematical Knowledge and Skills with Engineering Students
Engelbrecht, J.; Harding, A.; Preez, J. Du
European Journal of Engineering Education, v32 n6 p735-744 Dec 2007
This study focuses on the long-term retention of basic mathematical techniques in a first-year calculus course, involving a sample group of engineering students at the University of Pretoria. The study investigates which and how much of the basic mathematical knowledge and rote skills acquired in the first year of study is retained after a further two years of study. A quantitative and qualitative investigations show that, in general, there is a significant decline in performance over a two-year period. There are, however, areas in which students still performed reasonably well after the elapsed period or even showed improvement. The research is of diagnostic value in that it assists course designers in determining what basic mathematical skills and knowledge are retained after a period of two years in their teaching approach to and emphasis of different topics. (Contains 1 table.)
Descriptors: Investigations, Calculus, Teaching Methods, Mathematics Skills, Retention (Psychology), Recall (Psychology), Long Term Memory, Foreign Countries, Basic Skills, Rote Learning, Interviews, Student Surveys, Engineering Education, Best Practices
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: South Africa
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A