Teaching differential equations through a mathematical modelling approach: the impact on problem-solving and the mathematical performance of engineering undergraduates.

Mathematical modelling is an interlinking process between mathematics and real-world problems that can be applied as a means to increase motivation, develop cognitive competencies, and enhance the ability to transfer mathematical knowledge to other areas of science, such as engineering disciplines. This study was designed to investigate the effect of applying the modelling approach on problem-solving and mathematical performance of engineering undergraduates during a differential equations (DEs) course and compare the results with those of conventional teaching. A quasi-experimental method comprising a pretest-posttest design with a control group was applied in this study. Since the antecedent knowledge of calculus directly influences the ability of students to learn DEs, a placement test was first applied to both groups. A combination of results derived from the placement test and the modelling pretest was used as the covariate in the Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), and the modelling and mathematical performances of both groups were eventually examined. The results of this study indicate that apart from the fact that teaching DEs based on the modelling approach can increase the ability to apply mathematical knowledge in the field of engineering, it also can significantly enhance their problem-solving and mathematical performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]