New approaches to teaching and learning in engineering at the University of Strathclyde

McKay, Geoff (2003) New approaches to teaching and learning in engineering at the University of Strathclyde. Discussion paper. University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK. (http://www.mathcentre.ac.uk/resources/casestudies/...)

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Abstract

Mathematics is perceived as a difficult subject within engineering or science degree courses. Traditional lectures, with students passively listening to the lecturer or transcribing notes, do little for the students' image of mathematics. This style of lecturing and its lack of feedback can also be very unsatisfactory for the lecturer.In an attempt to overcome these problems, an element of interaction has been introduced into lectures. This has been achieved by encouraging communication via the Personal Response System, part of the Interactive Classroom developed by the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Strathclyde. Lectures are problem-based, with students immediately given the opportunity to put the methods they have learnt into practice.