Abstract
The inverted classroom is a teaching model, where the students prepare for classroom by watching video lectures. The classroom time is then dedicated to individual practice. We evaluated a mathematics course for electrical engineering students throughout three semesters, where 20% of the topics were taught using the inverted classroom model. The aim was to find out whether the model can help to better address groups with large differences in prior knowledge in mathematics. We report mainly positive feedback from the students, although the opinions vary greatly between the groups. The students appreciate the increased amount of practice in the classroom as well as the possibility to learn at their own pace. Exam performance remained constant in the topics taught using the inverted classroom compared to previous semesters. The exam performance of weaker students also remained constant.
Highlights
IntroductionMathematics is a central skill for engineering students and the skills acquired during the first-year mathematics courses are later required in many higher level classes
The aim of this study is to evaluate the suitability of the inverted classroom model for mathematics courses in a university of applied sciences
This is a significant change compared to the traditional lectures, where 75% of the time was used by the instructor in presenting the content
Summary
Mathematics is a central skill for engineering students and the skills acquired during the first-year mathematics courses are later required in many higher level classes. Studies reveal that the mathematics grades of engineering students strongly correlate with their later academic success [1]. At the same time mathematics courses present a major hindrance for many engineering students. At universities of applied sciences in Germany it is not unusual for 40% to 60% of the students to fail a mathematics exam. Failed mathematics exams are one of the main reasons for university dropouts
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
