Work in progress - motivation for mathematics, using design with the Wright State model

The first iteration of a freshman ¿applying mathematics to engineering design¿ course at Oklahoma State University was based on the successful national model of a freshman engineering math course designed at Wright State University. This course is addresses issues in transfer of mathematics to engineering, motivation, and retention. The course introduces engineering applications to algebra, linear algebra, trigonometry, sinusoids, differentiation, and integration through the use of laboratory design experiences. Students who participated in this course completed several validated assessments including a mathematics attitude survey and concept inventory. Students who completed this course had higher motivation towards and continuing in engineering as compared to a control group of other freshman engineering students. No statistically significant differences were found on the concept inventory in either group.