Preparatory Mathematics Course for Non-Traditional Engineering Students

Authors

  • Nina Kälberer Hochschule Aschaffenburg Würzburger Straße 45 D-63743 Aschaffenburg
  • Cornelia Böhmer Hochschule Aschaffenburg Würzburger Straße 45 D-63743 Aschaffenburg
  • Katrin Tschirpke Hochschule Aschaffenburg Würzburger Straße 45 D-63743 Aschaffenburg
  • Brigitte Petendra Hochschule Darmstadt Birkenweg 8 D-64295 Darmstadt
  • Eva Maria Beck-Meuth Hochschule Aschaffenburg Würzburger Straße 45 D-63743 Aschaffenburg

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijep.v4i4.3999

Keywords:

preparatory course, mathematics, engineering, Bachelor’s degree, initial phase, blended learning, evaluation, non-traditional students

Abstract


This paper reports the concept of a preparatory mathematics course for non-traditional students in electrical engineering, and its evaluation. The blended-learning course is part of the initial study phase smoothing the transition to learning at university level. The instructional design of the preparatory course is aligned with that of the Bachelor’s study program. However, it takes place prior to the beginning of the first semester. The initial phase additionally encompasses the whole first semester with different courses meant to help students getting ready for studying. Prospective students indicated that they needed to refresh their knowledge in mathematics. Thus, a preparatory mathematics course was given priority. This course serves several purposes: Students get an impression of the requirements in mathematics necessary for the study program; they refresh their basic knowledge; they make themselves familiar with self-organized learning and the blended-learning concept of the program. Design and implementation were evaluated with a questionnaire at the end of the course and after the first semester. The results show that the course is an appropriate instrument prior to engineering studies in order to prepare and support non-traditional students. In the conclusions potential for improvement is identified.

Author Biographies

Nina Kälberer, Hochschule Aschaffenburg Würzburger Straße 45 D-63743 Aschaffenburg

Fakultät Ingenieurwissenschaften, Research associate

Cornelia Böhmer, Hochschule Aschaffenburg Würzburger Straße 45 D-63743 Aschaffenburg

Fakultät Ingenieurwissenschaften, Reserch associate

Katrin Tschirpke, Hochschule Aschaffenburg Würzburger Straße 45 D-63743 Aschaffenburg

Fakultät Ingenieurwissenschaften, Professor

Brigitte Petendra, Hochschule Darmstadt Birkenweg 8 D-64295 Darmstadt

Fachbereich Elektro-und Informationstechnik, research associate

Eva Maria Beck-Meuth, Hochschule Aschaffenburg Würzburger Straße 45 D-63743 Aschaffenburg

Fakultät Ingenieurwissenschaften, Professor

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Published

2014-10-05

How to Cite

Kälberer, N., Böhmer, C., Tschirpke, K., Petendra, B., & Beck-Meuth, E. M. (2014). Preparatory Mathematics Course for Non-Traditional Engineering Students. International Journal of Engineering Pedagogy (iJEP), 4(4), pp. 51–58. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijep.v4i4.3999

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 4 (2014)

Section

Papers

License

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