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I decide, therefore I am (relevant!): A project‐based learning experience in linear algebra
Author(s) -
Izquierdo Joaquín,
Benítez Julio,
Berenguer Antonio,
LagoAlonso Concepción
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
computer applications in engineering education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.478
H-Index - 29
eISSN - 1099-0542
pISSN - 1061-3773
DOI - 10.1002/cae.21725
Subject(s) - linear algebra , context (archaeology) , analytic hierarchy process , process (computing) , algebra over a field , computer science , hierarchy , subject (documents) , mathematics , operations research , pure mathematics , political science , library science , paleontology , geometry , law , biology , operating system
We present a project‐based learning experience in the context of linear algebra developed for the recently launched double major in business administration and management/engineering of technology and telecommunication services at the universitat politècnica de valència 2014–15. Decision‐making is used to motivate students towards applying, understanding, and appreciating linear algebra in a diversity of projects. this experience introduces students to the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), a multi‐attribute, decision‐making technique that is rooted in linear algebra. Through a simulation scenario, each team of students develops a project about any real‐world problem consisting of a decision‐making process in the presence of multiple intangibles. At the same time, the algebraic fundamentals that make the process valid and consistent are clarified. The students showed great interest in the experience; and the results obtained confirmed that the activities helped them understand several complex concepts related to linear algebra, and fostered a significant interest in a subject traditionally considered frighteningly abstract. Finally, the students appreciated the stimulating insights provided by linear algebra that are crucial in decision‐making. This multi‐disciplinary experience enables the evaluation of several cross skills and competencies such as critical thinking and ethical leadership. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 24:481–492, 2016; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae ; DOI 10.1002/cae.21725