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

参与机构：北卡罗莱纳州立大学（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理工大学数学家和工程教育工作者正在合作解决数学需求，以充分支持工程专业的学生。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，可以帮助学生学习工程课程。这些模块是在线系统的一部分，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成功地将必要的数学应用到他们的新工程课程中。该项目正在创建一个在线软件系统：1)通过强调所复习数学的工程动机，挑战学生解决他们的概念理解；2)通过在复习过程中提供形成性反馈和指导，支持不同的学习方式；3)为教师提供可根据其数学需求、课程目标和教学方法定制的内容。无论何时需要相关的数学内容，都以及时的方式提供模块的课堂交付。这一努力解决了国家迫切需要改善工程专业的准备工作，以增加动力和学位的成功。在代表性不足的群体中，以及在转学生和从工作场所返回学校的非传统学生中，工程学的保留是一个特别关注的问题。该项目旨在帮助代表性不足群体的学生提高数学技能，从而为他们在STEM课程中脱颖而出创造多种途径。在线系统正在影响全国各地学校的工程专业学生，并且可以定制以支持其他学科领域（例如，统计，物理，化学）。这种个性化的数学概念评估和复习方法正在增强学生的信心和能力，为他们的教师提供有价值的反馈，并有助于提高工程项目中代表性不足群体的保留率。

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.