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
Permalink -

https://research.usq.edu.au/item/9x788/an-innovative-learning-model-for-computation-in-first-year-mathematics

Download files


Submitted Version
Tonkes_Loch_Stace_IJMEST_2005_SV.pdf
File access level: Anyone

  • 2382
    total views
  • 778
    total downloads
  • 1
    views this month
  • 2
    downloads this month

Export as

Related outputs

Conceptualising, implementing and evaluating the use of digital technologies to enhance mathematical understanding: reflections on an innovationā€“development cycle
Galligan, Linda, McDonald, Christine, Hobohm, Carola, Loch, Birgit and Taylor, Janet. 2015. "Conceptualising, implementing and evaluating the use of digital technologies to enhance mathematical understanding: reflections on an innovationā€“development cycle." Lock, Jennifer, Danaher, Patrick and Redmond, Petrea (ed.) Educational developments, practices and effectiveness: global perspectives and contexts. United Kingdom. Palgrave Macmillan. pp. 137-160
StatsCasts: screencasts for complementing lectures in statistics classes
Dunn, Peter K., McDonald, Christine and Loch, Birgit. 2015. "StatsCasts: screencasts for complementing lectures in statistics classes." International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology. 46 (4), pp. 521-532. https://doi.org/10.1080/0020739X.2014.990530
The practice of web conferencing: where are we now?
Loch, Birgit and Reushle, Shirley. 2008. "The practice of web conferencing: where are we now?" Atkinson, Roger J. and McBeath, Clare (ed.) 25th Annual Conference of the Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education (ASCILITE 2008). Melbourne, Australia 30 Nov - 03 Dec 2008 Melbourne, Australia.
StatsCasts: supporting student learning of introductory statistics
McDonald, Christine, Dunn, Peter K., Loch, Birgit and Weiss, Vida. 2013. "StatsCasts: supporting student learning of introductory statistics." Deborah, King, Birgit, Loch and Leanne, Rylands (ed.) 9th Delta Conference of Teaching and Learning of Undergraduate Mathematics and Statistics 2013: Shining Through the Fog. Kiama, Australia 24 - 29 Nov 2013 Sydney, Australia.
Dynamic and interactive teaching with technology
Phillips, Peter J. and Loch, Birgit I.. 2012. "Dynamic and interactive teaching with technology." Journal of Financial Education. 38 (3/4), pp. 46-68.
Tablet technology to facilitate improved interaction and communication with students studying mathematics at a distance
Galligan, Linda, Hobohm, Carola and Loch, Birgit. 2012. "Tablet technology to facilitate improved interaction and communication with students studying mathematics at a distance." Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching. 31 (4), pp. 363-385.
Case study: real-time communication in a mathematics online learning community
Loch, Birgit and McDonald, Christine. 2011. "Case study: real-time communication in a mathematics online learning community." Kear, Karen (ed.) Online and social networking communities: a best practice guide for educators . New York, NY. United States. Routledge. pp. 129-131
Learner-centred mathematics and statistics education using netbook tablet PCs
Loch, Birgit, Galligan, Linda, Hobohm, Carola and McDonald, Christine. 2011. "Learner-centred mathematics and statistics education using netbook tablet PCs." International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology. 42 (7), pp. 939-949. https://doi.org/10.1080/0020739X.2011.611910
Annotations with a Tablet PC or typed feedback: does it make a difference?
Brodie, Lyn and Loch, Birgit. 2009. "Annotations with a Tablet PC or typed feedback: does it make a difference?" Kestell, Colin, Grainger, Steven and Cheung, John (ed.) 20th Annual Conference for the Australasian Association of Engineering Education (AAEE 2009). Adelaide, Australia 06 - 09 Dec 2009 Adelaide, Australia.
Adjusting the community of inquiry approach to a synchronous mathematical context
McDonald, Christine and Loch, Birgit. 2008. "Adjusting the community of inquiry approach to a synchronous mathematical context." Atkinson, Roger J. and McBeath, Clare (ed.) 25th Annual Conference of the Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education (ASCILITE 2008). Melbourne, Australia 30 Nov - 03 Dec 2008 Melbourne, Australia.
Reframing e-assessment: building professional nursing and academic attributes in a first year nursing course
Lawrence, Jill, Loch, Birgit and Galligan, Linda. 2008. "Reframing e-assessment: building professional nursing and academic attributes in a first year nursing course." Learning, Media and Technology. 33 (3), pp. 169-189. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439880802324020
Boundary treatment for virtual leaf surfaces
Loch, Birgit, Belward, John A. and Hanan, Jim S.. 2003. "Boundary treatment for virtual leaf surfaces." GRAPHITE '03: Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques in Australasia and South East Asia . Melbourne, Australia 11 - 14 Feb 2003 New York, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.1145/604471.604525
A hybrid clough-tocher radial basis function method for modelling leaf surfaces
Oqielat, M. N., Belward, J. A., Turner, I. W. and Loch, B. I.. 2007. "A hybrid clough-tocher radial basis function method for modelling leaf surfaces." Oxley, Les and Kulasiri, Don (ed.) 17th International Congress on Modelling and Simulation (MODSIM07). Christchurch, New Zealand 10 - 13 Dec 2007 Canberra, Australia. Modelling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand .
Application of surface fitting techniques for the representation of leaf surfaces
Loch, B. I., Belward, J. A. and Hanan, J. S.. 2005. "Application of surface fitting techniques for the representation of leaf surfaces." Zerger, Andre and Argent, Robert M. (ed.) 16th International Congress on Modelling and Simulation (MODSIM05). Melbourne, Australia 12 - 15 Dec 2005 Australia. Modelling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand .
Bridging the divide by screencasting in an introductory statistics class at an Australian university
Khan, Shahjahan, Loch, Birgit and McDonald, Christine. 2010. "Bridging the divide by screencasting in an introductory statistics class at an Australian university." Amin, Zeinab and Hadi, Ali S. (ed.) 10th Islamic Countries Conference on Statistical Sciences. Cairo, Egypt 20 - 23 Dec 2009 Lahore, Pakistan.
Building lectures and building bridges with socio-economically disadvantaged students
Phillips, Peter J. and Loch, Birgit. 2011. "Building lectures and building bridges with socio-economically disadvantaged students." Educational Technology and Society. 14 (3), pp. 240-251.
What do on campus students do with mathematics lecture screencasts at a dual-mode Australian university?
Loch, Birgit. 2010. "What do on campus students do with mathematics lecture screencasts at a dual-mode Australian university? " Green, David (ed.) CETL-MSOR Conference 2009. Milton Keynes, United Kingdom 07 - 08 Sep 2009 Birmingham, United Kingdom .
Employing interdisciplinary collaborations to redefine academic practices in a university Nursing program
Lawrence, Jill, Loch, Birgit and Galligan, Linda. 2010. "Employing interdisciplinary collaborations to redefine academic practices in a university Nursing program." Devlin, M., Nagy, J. and Lichtenberg, A. (ed.) 33rd Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia Annual Conference (HERDSA 2010). Melbourne, Australia 06 - 09 Jul 2010 Milperra, Australia.
Preparedness for flexible access to learning materials: how ready are university students and staff?
Albion, Peter, Loch, Birgit, Mula, Joseph M. and Maroulis, Jerry. 2010. "Preparedness for flexible access to learning materials: how ready are university students and staff?" Steel, Caroline, Keppell, Michael, Gerbic, Philippa and Housego, Simon (ed.) 27th Annual Conference of the Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education (ASCILITE 2010). Sydney, Australia 05 - 08 Dec 2010 Brisbane, Australia.
Building academic numeracy in a first year nursing course using an evaluative model of program development
Galligan, Linda, Loch, Birgit and Lawrence, Jill. 2010. "Building academic numeracy in a first year nursing course using an evaluative model of program development." Coben, Diana and O'Donoghue, John (ed.) ICME 11: Adult Mathematics Education. Monterrey, Mexico 06 - 13 Jul 2008 Limerick, Ireland.
Interaction in synchronous chat tutorials to facilitate learning in introductory statistics
McDonald, Christine, Loch, Birgit and Lloyd, Margaret. 2010. "Interaction in synchronous chat tutorials to facilitate learning in introductory statistics." Reading, Chris (ed.) ICOTS8: Data and Context in Statistics Education: Towards an Evidence-Based Society. Ljubljana, Slovenia 11 - 16 Jul 2010 Voorburg, The Netherlands.
The use of tablet and related technologies in mathematics teaching
Galligan, Linda, Loch, Birgit, McDonald, Christine and Taylor, Janet A.. 2010. "The use of tablet and related technologies in mathematics teaching." Australian Senior Mathematics Journal. 24 (1), pp. 38-51.
Adopting synchronous audiographic web conferencing: a tale from two regional universities
Loch, Birgit, Reushle, Shirley, Rowe, Stephen and Jayne, Nicola. 2010. "Adopting synchronous audiographic web conferencing: a tale from two regional universities." Mukerji, Siran and Tripathi, Purnendu (ed.) Cases on technology enhanced learning through collaborative opportunities. Hershey, PA, United States. IGI Global. pp. 56-72
Go WEST - supporting women in engineering, science and technology: an Australian higher education case study
McDonald, Jacquelin, Loch, Birgit and Cater-Steel, Aileen. 2010. "Go WEST - supporting women in engineering, science and technology: an Australian higher education case study." Cater-Steel, Aileen and Cater, Emily (ed.) Women in engineering, science and technology: education and career challenges. Hershey, PA, United States. IGI Global. pp. 118-132
An integrative approach to building professional attributes in a first year nursing course: description and preliminary analysis of academic numeracy
Galligan, Linda, Loch, Birgit and Lawrence, Jill. 2010. "An integrative approach to building professional attributes in a first year nursing course: description and preliminary analysis of academic numeracy." Coben, Diana and O'Donoghue, John (ed.) ICME 11: Adult Mathematics Education. Monterrey, Mexico 06 - 13 Jul 2008 Limerick, Ireland.
Conducting a trial of web conferencing software: why, how, and perceptions from the coalface
Reushle, Shirley and Loch, Birgit. 2008. "Conducting a trial of web conferencing software: why, how, and perceptions from the coalface." Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education. 9 (3), pp. 19-28.
Spectral schemes on triangular elements
Heinrichs, Wilhelm and Loch, Birgit. 2001. "Spectral schemes on triangular elements." Journal of Computational Physics. 173 (1), pp. 279-301. https://doi.org/10.1006/jcph.2001.6876
Processing laser scanner plant data to extract structural information
Hanan, Jim, Loch, Birgit and McAleer, Tim. 2004. "Processing laser scanner plant data to extract structural information." Godin, Christophe, Hanan, Jim S. and Kurth, Winfried (ed.) 4th International Workshop on Functional-Structural Plant Models (FSPM 2004). Montpellier, France 07 - 11 Jun 2004 Montpellier, France.
Change detection through clustering and spectral analysis
Donovan, Diane, Loch, Birgit, Thompson, H. B. and Thompson, Jayne. 2008. "Change detection through clustering and spectral analysis." Brankovich, Ljiljania, Lin, Yuqing and Smythe, William F. (ed.) IWOCA 2007: 18th International Workshop on Combinatorial Algorithms . Newcastle, Australia 05 - 09 Nov 2007 United States.
Synchronous chat and electronic ink for distance support in mathematics
Loch, Birgit and McDonald, Christine. 2007. "Synchronous chat and electronic ink for distance support in mathematics." Innovate: Journal of Online Education. 3 (3), pp. 1-5.
Progressive teaching of mathematics with tablet technology
Loch, Birgit and Donovan, Diane. 2006. "Progressive teaching of mathematics with tablet technology." Australasian Journal of Educational Technology. 9 (2), pp. 1-6.
Tablet technology in first year calculus and linear algebra teaching
Loch, Birgit I.. 2005. "Tablet technology in first year calculus and linear algebra teaching." Bulmer, Michael, MacGillivray, Helen and Varsavsky, Cristina (ed.) Kingfisher Delta '05: 5th Southern Hemisphere Conference on Undergraduate Mathematics and Statistics Teaching and Learning. Fraser Island, Australia 22 - 26 Nov 2005 Brisbane, Australia.