MATHPOL: Development of Mathematical Competencies in Engineering Students using Project-Oriented Learning

This paper presents a way to develop mathematical competencies in engineering students, using project-oriented learning. These projects use cutting-edge technology and applications such as 3D printing, augmented reality and modeling with Mathematica and Python, and have been specifically designed to develop eight mathematical competencies: thinking and reasoning, argumentation, communication, modeling, posing and solving problems; representation, making use of language and symbolic operations, and use of aids and tools. A pre-test and a post-test were applied to 239 students to measure the number of initial and final mastery of the mathematical competencies. Statistical tests show that students significantly increase the domain levels in math competencies. We also gave perception questionnaires to our students about using this type of projects to learn Calculus. Our results indicate that there is a positive impact on student engagement and that the use of technology plays an important role in helping to develop these competencies.