Mathematical Problem Solving For Engineering Students

At the time of the Second World War, Sir Lawrence Holt recognized that younger sailors in the British merchant marine were unable to perform their duties, especially in emergency situations, often leading to loss of life. He called on educator Kurt Hahn for help. In 1941, Hahn began a program that has become known as Outward Bound. This program builds self-confidence and ability by confronting young people with challenging tasks, such as climbing a mountain. We face a similar situation in engineering education. Students arrive at universities frequently lacking the mathematics and problem solving skills needed to succeed as engineering students. These deficiencies are often not remedied as the students pass through the curriculum, leading to low retention rates and shortages of US educated engineers.