An innovative learning model for computation in first year mathematics

Article

Tonkes, E. J., Loch, B. I. and Stace, A. W.. 2005. "An innovative learning model for computation in first year mathematics." International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology. 36 (7), pp. 751-759. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207390500271677
Article Title

An innovative learning model for computation in first year mathematics

ERA Journal ID20498
Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsTonkes, E. J. (Author), Loch, B. I. (Author) and Stace, A. W. (Author)
EditorsBulmer, Michael, MacGillivray, Helen and Varsavsky, Cristina
Journal TitleInternational Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology
Journal Citation36 (7), pp. 751-759
Number of Pages9
Year2005
Place of PublicationOxfordshire, England
ISSN0020-739X
1464-5211
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1080/00207390500271677
Web Address (URL)https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00207390500271677
Abstract

MATLAB is a sophisticated software tool for numerical analysis and visualisation. The University of Queensland has adopted Matlab as its official teaching package across large first year mathematics courses. In the past, the package has met severe resistance from students who have not appreciated their computational experience. Several main factors contribute: Firstly, the software is numerical rather than symbolic, providing a departure from the thinking patterns presented in lectures and tutorials. Secondly, many students cannot see a direct connection between the laboratory exercises and core course material from lectures. Thirdly, the students find hurdles to entry as commands often return annoying error messages and don't execute, and programs are difficult to write and debug. Overall, the details of the mathematics are lost in trying to negotiate the software. After considerable effort in tuning, it appears that a sequence of innovations has captured student support and added considerable value to both the computational and traditional learning process.

KeywordsMatlab; first year mathematics education; interactive workbook; higher education
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020390405. Educational technology and computing
461399. Theory of computation not elsewhere classified
390109. Mathematics and numeracy curriculum and pedagogy
Public Notes

File reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher/author.

Byline AffiliationsCS Energy, Australia
Department of Mathematics and Computing
University of Queensland
EventKingfisher Delta '05: The Fifth Southern Hemisphere Conference on Undergraduate Mathematics and Statistics Teaching and Learning
ISBN1864998407
Event Details
Kingfisher Delta '05: The Fifth Southern Hemisphere Conference on Undergraduate Mathematics and Statistics Teaching and Learning
Event Date
22 to end of 26 Nov 2005
Event Location
Fraser Island, Australia
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