Innovative Approaches For Teaching Calculus To Engineering Students

A successful engineering program requires proficient and dynamic mathematics classes to enhance the teaching and learning of complex subject matter. Without a sufficient amount of problem solving and engineering applications, students are left with rather vague concepts regardless of the instructor’s effectiveness. Improving student performance in mathematics classes requires inventive approaches to both subject matter and content delivery. Introduction of new technology, in-class problem solving, and discussion sessions are important factors in the enhancement of students’ deep understanding of mathematics. At the University of Central Florida the College of Engineering and the Department of Mathematics are “team teaching” calculus for engineering majors in a “high tech” classroom. The instructional delivery involves group work combined with the use of computer technology to analyze the relationship between the physical problems and the mathematical models