Bridging Mathematics Contents to Engineering Contexts; Just-In-Time Assessment and Review Modules

参与机构：北卡罗来纳州立大学(小学)路易斯安那州立大学、肯塔基大学、北卡罗来纳大学阿什维尔分校、北卡罗来纳大学夏洛特分校和北卡罗来纳州立大学工程描述数学家和工程教育工作者正在合作解决数学需求，以充分支持工程学学生。该项目正在开发一系列个性化的即时评估和复习(JITAR)数学模块，可以帮助学生在工程课程中学习。这些模块是一个在线系统的一部分，该系统可以评估学生的数学能力水平，并提供个性化的发展学习机会。及时的学习机会将帮助学生在新的工程课程中成功地应用必要的数学知识。该项目正在创建一个在线软件系统，该系统：1)通过强调数学复习的工程动机来挑战学生对概念的理解；2)通过复习过程提供形成性反馈和指导，支持多样化的学习方式；3)为教师提供可根据他们的数学需求、课程目标和教学方法定制的内容。无论何时，只要需要相关的数学内容，这些模块的课堂教学就会以及时的方式提供。BROADER意义这一努力满足了全国迫切的需求，即改善工程专业的准备工作，以增加动力和学位成功。在任职人数不足的群体成员中，以及转学学生和从工作场所返回学校的非传统学生中，工程学留学生尤其令人关切。该项目正在帮助代表不足的群体的学生提高他们的数学技能，从而为他们在STEM课程中脱颖而出创造多种途径。这个在线系统正在影响全国各地学校的工科学生，并且可以进行定制，以支持其他学科领域(例如统计学、物理、化学)。评估和复习数学概念的个性化方法提高了学生的信心和能力，为他们的教师提供了宝贵的反馈，并有助于改善工程项目中代表性不足的群体的留存率。

PARTICIPATING INSTITUTIONS: North Carolina State University (Primary)Louisiana State University, Kentucky University, UNC-Ashville, UNC-Charlotte and NC A&T UniversityPROJECT DESCRIPTION Mathematicians and engineering educators are collaborating to address the mathematics needs that can adequately support engineering students. The project is developing a series of individualized, just-in-time assessment and review (JITAR) mathematics modules that can help students in their engineering courses. The modules are part of an on-line system that can assess the mathematical competency level of a student and provide individualized developmental learning opportunities. The just-in-time learning opportunities will help students to successfully apply the necessary mathematics in their new engineering courses. The project is creating an on-line software system that: 1) challenges students to address their conceptual understanding by emphasizing the engineering motivation for the mathematics reviewed; 2) supports diverse learning styles by offering formative feedback and guidance through the review process; and 3) provides instructors with content that can be customized for their mathematics needs, the goals of their course and their teaching approach. Classroom delivery of the modules is provided in a just-in-time fashion, whenever the relevant mathematics content is needed.BROADER SIGNIFICANCE This effort addresses an urgent national need to improve the preparation of engineering majors, in order to increase motivation and degree success. Engineering retention is of particular concern among members of underrepresented groups, as well as among transfer students and non-traditional students returning to school from workplace. The project is helping students in underrepresented groups improve their mathematics skills, thus creating multiple pathways for them to excel in STEM courses. The online system is impacting engineering students at schools throughout the country and can be customized to also support other discipline areas (e.g., statistics, physics, chemistry). The individualized approach to assessment and review of the mathematics concepts is increasing the confidence and ability of students, providing valuable feedback to their instructors, and helping to improve the retention of underrepresented groups in engineering programs.