Mathematics As A Gatekeeper to Engineering: The Interplay Between Mathematical And Design Thinking
Research Questions:
- How do students respond to open-ended, ambiguous design task?
- How do students thinking processes differ based on differences in mathematics, design and engineering backgrounds?
- How do students’ thinking processes differ based on difference in attitudes towards and beliefs about mathematics, design and engineering?
Activity and Sample:
First–year Engineering Students and Senior Engineering, Design, Mathematics Students
Frameworks, Instruments, and Analysis:
Data collection/framework: Think-Aloud Protocol, Design Task Artifacts, Transcribed Interview Responses
Analysis: Critical Incident Analysis using Video Data and Transcripts
All pilot participants focused more on design related aspects during the first hour.
Preliminary Results:
The senior students seemed to have a more developed strategy for approaching design tasks.
The participants applied varying mathematical practices and knowledge to the task.