An Analysis on Causes for Failure in Mathematics by Engineering Students in Tamil Nadu using Combined Overlap Fuzzy Clustering Model (COFCLM)

Abstract

The main objective of this paper is to introduce a new fuzzy model called Combined Overlap Fuzzy Clustering Model (COFCLM). First time, the working rule for this model is derived by creating an algorithm. The quality of teaching and learning mathematics has been one of the major challenges and concern for the educators. Mathematics comprises of wide variety of skills and concepts. Mathematics education should enable engineering students to communicate their ideas in an unambiguous and understandable way and should equip themselves with the analytical skills as practicing engineers. Mathematical thinking and modelling give engineers the ability to approach new problems with confidence. There are around 570 engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu where most students show their aversion in learning mathematics and they learn this subject without involvement and interest. More number of arrears is kept in this subject compared to other subjects by students who are backward in studies. Students fail to understand the seriousness of this subject. This paper consists of seven sections. Section one is introductory in nature that gives the background of the problem under study and gives the justification for having chosen to use the “Combined Overlap Fuzzy Clustering Model (COFCLM)” approach to seek the dominant causes for the failure in Mathematics. Section two gives the preliminaries and the basics of Combined Overlap Fuzzy Clustering Model approach. Section three deals with the application of the said approach in determining the cluster of problems, that fall under the categories „low‟, „moderate‟ and „high‟. Section four gives the algorithm for the working of the model. Section five gives the main findings as conclusions. Section six deals with the suggestions for the study of the problem. And, the final seventh section gives the references used for the study.