ERIC Number: EJ1138633
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017-May
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1571-0068
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Which Techno-Mathematical Literacies Are Essential for Future Engineers?
van der Wal, Nathalie J.; Bakker, Arthur; Drijvers, Paul
International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, v15 suppl 1 p87-104 May 2017
Due to increased use of technology, the workplace practices of engineers have changed. So-called techno-mathematical literacies (TmL) are necessary for engineers of the 21st century. Because it is still unknown which TmL engineers actually use in their professional practices, the purpose of this study was to identify these TmL. Fourteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with engineers with a background in different educational tracks in higher professional education (e.g. civil, chemical, biotechnical and mechanical engineering). As a result of the data analysis, 7 commonly used TmL are identified: data literacy, technical software skills, technical communication skills, sense of error, sense of number, technical creativity and technical drawing skills. Engineers also noted a discrepancy between their education and workplace needs; they characterized mathematics in their education as an island with limited relevance. These findings lead to recommendations for the future of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in higher technical professional education that can help students learn STEM for the future.
Descriptors: Technological Literacy, Numeracy, Engineering, Technical Occupations, Technology Uses in Education, Workplace Literacy, Semi Structured Interviews, Engineering Education, Mathematics Education, STEM Education, Mathematics Skills, Mathematics Curriculum, Foreign Countries, Higher Education, Professional Education, Technical Education, Information Technology
Springer. 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-348-4505; e-mail: service-ny@springer.com; Web site: http://www.springerlink.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Netherlands
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A