Using applied engineering problems in calculus classes to promote learning in context and teamwork

Faculty in the Department of Mathematics and College of Engineering at Penn State University-University Park, have been collaborating to enrich learning experiences for students in the two-semester freshmen calculus sequence taken by roughly 1500 engineering and science majors per year. Applied engineering problems and team assignments are used in the new "Engineering Calculus" course to promote collaboration and learning among students. Undergraduate teaching-interns are used to facilitate in-class learning as well as out-of-class help sessions. To evaluate the program, students were given a calculus test and surveys at the beginning and end of the course designed to measure progress towards learning objectives, and student perceptions of and satisfaction with, the course format. Student feedback was elicited on a regular basis throughout the course. Faculty interviews provided additional information in evaluating the success of the program and will be used to improve future efforts. This paper focuses on the development of the course, including discussion of the collaboration between the engineering and mathematics departments and development of the course materials. Discussions of the applied problems and team project assignments are provided.