Development of enquiry-oriented learning in the mathematical sciences

Abstract

Arguably the largest challenge facing undergraduate students majoring in quantitative disciplines is the large gulf between high school mathematics and those skills eventually required in the workplace. The differences are not just in the level and depth of the disciplinary knowledge required but, more challengingly, in the types of learning and problem-solving methods employed. Here, I discuss recent developments in the curriculum at the University of Technology Sydney for undergraduates majoring in the Mathematical Sciences and related disciplines. In particular, I focus on the implementation of mathematical modelling workshops for students from their very first semester. References S. Woodcock and S. Bush. Slipping between the cracks? Maximising the effectiveness of prerequisite paths in UTS mathematics degrees. ANZIAM J. 55:C297–C314, 2014. http://journal.austms.org.au/ojs/index.php/ANZIAMJ/article/view/7943 T. Nunes, P. Bryant, R. Barros and K. Sylva. The relative importance of two different mathematical abilities to mathematical achievement. Br. J. Educ. Psychol. 82(1):136-156, 2012. doi:10.1111/j.2044-8279.2011.02033.x UTS Model of Learning. 5 January 2016. http://www.uts.edu.au/research-and-teaching/teaching-and-learning/uts-model-learning/uts-model-learning . S. M. Brookhart and A. J. Nitko. Educational Assessment of Students. Pearson, New York, 2015. https://www.pearsonhighered.com/program/Brookhart-Educational-Assessment-of-Students-Pearson-e-Text-with-Loose-Leaf-Version-Access-Card-Package-7th-Edition/PGM239725.html E. R. Hilgard, R. P. Irvine and J. E. Whipple. Rote memorization, understanding, and transfer: an extension of Katona's card-trick experiments. J, Exp. Psychol. 46(4):288–292, 1953. doi:10.1037/h0062072 J. Tovey. Warning as pupils dump courses in 2-unit maths. Sydney Morning Herald , 6 November 2013. http://www.smh.com.au/national/education/warning-as-pupils-dump-courses-in-2unit-maths-20131105-2wzdm.html A. Sriprakash, H. Proctor and B. Hu. Visible pedagogic work: parenting, private tutoring and educational advantage in Australia. Discourse: Stud. Cult. Pol. Edu. 37(3):426–441, 2016. doi:10.1080/01596306.2015.1061976 F. S. Keller and J. G. Sherman. The Keller Plan handbook: Essays on a Personalized System of Instruction. W. A. Benjamin, Menlo Park, CA, 1974. http://trove.nla.gov.au/version/26237599 S. Bush. Making the flip: Integrating flipped learning activities into the mathematics curriculum, in Proceedings of The Australian Conference on Science and Mathematics, University of Sydney: Sydney, NSW. p. 15, 2014. http://openjournals.library.usyd.edu.au/index.php/IISME/article/view/7678