Evaluation of numerical analysis course problem-solving processes of engineering students based on different dimensions

Abstract

In this study, the aim is to evaluate the problem-solving processes in the understanding of problems and to determine and provide strategies, demonstration, expression and problem-writing dimensions in a numerical analysis course for engineering students. The quantitative data and qualitative data were interpreted using exploratory sequential method. The study group consisted of 20 students who took numerical analysis courses in the engineering faculty in a private university in Northern Cyprus. The data of the study were collected by means of an interview form consisting of common question problem solutions and open-ended questions that were asked to these students. The problem-solving processes of the students participating in the research were evaluated along with the solutions they derived for common problems and were analysed on the basis of the four different dimensions mentioned above. As a result of these analyses, it was concluded that the students understood the problems at an intermediate level and did not have sufficient infrastructure in the strategy determination, provision, demonstration and expression dimensions, and the majority could not write problems. In addition, in the light of the findings obtained from the interview form, it was emphasised that the numerical analysis course should be supported in the laboratory.
 Keywords: Numerical analysis, mathematics, problem-solving process, engineering students.