Practical laboratory classes to improve engagement and achievement amongst engineering students taking first-year mathematics

We describe the planning, delivery, and assessment of laboratory classes offered as part of two first-year mathematics courses for engineering students. The laboratory classes, which use practical examples inspired by second-, third- and fourth-year engineering courses, were designed to illustrate the relevance of mathematics to engineering. Once these classes were introduced the percentage of engaged students increased by up to a third, leading to similar improvements in pass rates and median marks.