ERIC Number: EJ1183899
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2301-251X
EISSN: N/A
Engineering Students' Instrumental Approaches to Mathematics; Some Positive Characteristics
Rensaa, Ragnhild Johanne
European Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, v6 n3 p82-99 2018
The present paper presents three deliberately chosen mathematical episodes observed in a class of engineering students taking a basic calculus course. By drawing on analyses of instrumental and relational learning strategies, the episodes are shown to illustrate instrumental approaches indicated by the students. The paper discusses positive characteristics about these approaches while further data collections shed light on reasons why such approaches were preferred. Results reveal some positive characteristics, suggesting that instrumental strategies may serve as valuable part of the learning environment in engineering educations. If students are motivated by instrumental approaches, then utilizing positive aspects about them may be an important starting point in teaching. Awareness of this may provide useful in stimulating for relational learning based on instrumental profits.
Descriptors: Engineering Education, Student Motivation, Teaching Methods, Learning Processes, Calculus, Learning Strategies, Mathematics Instruction, Case Studies, Foreign Countries, Undergraduate Students, Course Descriptions, Tutors, Role, Semi Structured Interviews
European Journal of Science and Mathematics Education. Eastern Mediterranean University, Farnagusta, TRNC, Mersin 10, Turkey. e-mail: editor@scimath.net; Web site: http://www.scimath.net
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Norway
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A