Mathematics Diagnostic Testing in Engineering: An International Comparison between Ireland and Portugal
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| Title: | Mathematics Diagnostic Testing in Engineering: An International Comparison between Ireland and Portugal |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Carr, M., Fidalgo, C., Bigotte de Almeida, M. E., Branco, J. R., Santos, V., Murphy, E., Ní Fhloinn, E. |
| Source: | European Journal of Engineering Education. 2015 40(5):546-556. |
| Availability: | Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 11 |
| Publication Date: | 2015 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Tests/Questionnaires Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Diagnostic Tests, Cross Cultural Studies, Engineering Education, Mathematics Skills, Mathematics Tests, Undergraduate Students, Educational Practices, College Freshmen, Mathematics Achievement, Foreign Countries, Efficiency, Educational Research, Statistical Analysis |
| Geographic Terms: | Ireland, Portugal |
| DOI: | 10.1080/03043797.2014.967182 |
| ISSN: | 0304-3797 |
| Abstract: | Concern has been expressed throughout Europe about the significant deficiencies in the basic mathematical skills of many engineering undergraduates. Mathematics diagnostic tests in the UK, Ireland and Portugal have shown these shortcomings, which provide a challenge to those striving to introduce more innovative educational practices into engineering education, such as projects or real-world problems. Every year, in the Dublin Institute of Technology (Ireland) and the Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Coimbra (Portugal), a diagnostic test is given to incoming first-year students. A comparison showed some potentially interesting differences between these students. In September 2013, a project was undertaken to compare mathematical competencies of incoming engineering students in both countries. A modified diagnostic test was devised and the results were then compared to ascertain if there are common areas of difficulty between students in Ireland and Portugal, or evidence of one group significantly outperforming the other in a particular area. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Number of References: | 33 |
| Entry Date: | 2015 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1071923 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Concern has been expressed throughout Europe about the significant deficiencies in the basic mathematical skills of many engineering undergraduates. Mathematics diagnostic tests in the UK, Ireland and Portugal have shown these shortcomings, which provide a challenge to those striving to introduce more innovative educational practices into engineering education, such as projects or real-world problems. Every year, in the Dublin Institute of Technology (Ireland) and the Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Coimbra (Portugal), a diagnostic test is given to incoming first-year students. A comparison showed some potentially interesting differences between these students. In September 2013, a project was undertaken to compare mathematical competencies of incoming engineering students in both countries. A modified diagnostic test was devised and the results were then compared to ascertain if there are common areas of difficulty between students in Ireland and Portugal, or evidence of one group significantly outperforming the other in a particular area. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 0304-3797 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/03043797.2014.967182 |
