Espoused Faculty Epistemologies for Engineering Mathematics: Towards Defining ‘Mathematical Maturity’ for Engineering

摘要

What role should mathematics play in an engineering student's education? A typical engineering undergraduate takes a five-semester course sequence of Calculus I, Calculus II, Calculus III, Linear Algebra and Differential equations (henceforth known as the calculus sequence). This sequence forms a rigid prerequisite structure for many engineering curricula. A single failing grade in one of these prerequisite courses can prevent a student from being able to progress into their engineering curriculum. Students may have to substantially delay graduation or leave engineering altogether before they have taken even one engineering course. Students with fewer high school educational opportunities, such as students of color, disabled students, or low socioeconomic status students, in particular, are thwarted by the calculus sequence. Many are doomed before they even begin, since the timing of engineering courses assumes that all students are entering college ‘calculus ready’.