MATHEMATICS FOR ENGINEERS: ASSESSING KNOWLEDGE AND COMPETENCIES

摘要

This work follows from the RULES_MATH project which aims to describe and analyse ways to assess mathematics taught to future engineers through competencies. The eight mathematical competencies already identified are recognized in the assessment made to students. Thus, in this work the competencies for learning complex numbers are evaluated. The study was carried out in a group of 126 students of Linear Algebra from Biomedical, Electromechanical and Mechanical Engineering in Coimbra Institute of Engineering. The results obtained were satisfactory since at almost questions (7 out of 9) students were able to obtain a positive grade. The performed assessment test also permits to identify level differences between the courses were it was applied. Relating the test itself as a tool to assess competencies, we may conclude that it covers most of the competencies that we need to evaluate, and its difficulty is adequate to our students.