Options
Curriculum redesign of engineering mathematics and computing module to promote active learning
Author
Choo, Emily Boy Lee
Supervisor
Chen, Ai Yen
Abstract
This report discusses the review and redesign of the curriculum of Engineering Mathematics and Computing module, for Second Year Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Degree Course, at Nanyang Technological University. This module comprises of E204, Engineering Mathematics and Computing I and E208, Engineering Mathematics and Computing 11. It is an important module as it provides the fundamental concepts that helps students to understand material presented in other core engineering subjects in the course.
Evidence from reviewing the current curriculum and analyzing the course aims and objectives, course content and structure, teaching-learning strategies and assessment method has helped to identify some shortcomings. It has been found that the module objective of knowledge production and applications has not been made explicit to both the teaching staff and students. Knowledge transmission and acquisition is therefore perceived as the main teaching task and learning outcome of the module. The coverage of the content is very broad and not enough time has been allocated to teach it. Passive learning hence prevails among majority of the students as they struggle to cope with the many topics included in the module. It also resulted in the lack of time for the teaching staff to emphasize on the linkage of module to other subjects as well as giving more engineering examples and problems solving. Students could not see the relevance of the module in relation to other engineering subjects taught in the same course and are not able to apply to them the principles and concepts learnt.
Course content has been identified as the main component that needs to be changed to help improving the problem-solving competency of students and also to enhance learning. Improve teaching methods will also bring about more active learning among students. This report recommends the allocation of more lecture time by moving some of the topics to the Third Year of the course. It also recommends greater emphasis on both the mathematical and engineering problem-solving approach during teaching to facilitate both knowledge acquisition and application, and to improve linkage with other engineering subjects.
Evidence from reviewing the current curriculum and analyzing the course aims and objectives, course content and structure, teaching-learning strategies and assessment method has helped to identify some shortcomings. It has been found that the module objective of knowledge production and applications has not been made explicit to both the teaching staff and students. Knowledge transmission and acquisition is therefore perceived as the main teaching task and learning outcome of the module. The coverage of the content is very broad and not enough time has been allocated to teach it. Passive learning hence prevails among majority of the students as they struggle to cope with the many topics included in the module. It also resulted in the lack of time for the teaching staff to emphasize on the linkage of module to other subjects as well as giving more engineering examples and problems solving. Students could not see the relevance of the module in relation to other engineering subjects taught in the same course and are not able to apply to them the principles and concepts learnt.
Course content has been identified as the main component that needs to be changed to help improving the problem-solving competency of students and also to enhance learning. Improve teaching methods will also bring about more active learning among students. This report recommends the allocation of more lecture time by moving some of the topics to the Third Year of the course. It also recommends greater emphasis on both the mathematical and engineering problem-solving approach during teaching to facilitate both knowledge acquisition and application, and to improve linkage with other engineering subjects.
Date Issued
1996
Call Number
TA332.5 Cho
Date Submitted
1996