RESEARCH PAPER
University electronics engineering students’ approaches of integrating mathematical ideas into the learning of physical electronics in basic electronics
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Science and Technology Education Cluster, School of education, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, SOUTH AFRICA
Publication date: 2023-01-06
EURASIA J. Math., Sci Tech. Ed 2023;19(1):em2214
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
The limited knowledge of mathematical ideas and the high dropout rate of students in the schools
of engineering throughout the country each year is alarming. One of the reasons attributed to
this high failure rate is the students’ inability to integrate and apply the main mathematics
constructs covered in the engineering courses. In this regard, this paper takes as its point of
departure that the integration of mathematical concepts in engineering courses is unavoidable,
particularly, in physical electronics. It gives credence to the objectives of engineering courses, that
students should be able to interpret mathematics during design, apply appropriate technology to
solve natural and man-made problems, evaluate engineering solutions, and appreciate a broad
spectrum of knowledge. It thus argues for the use of a practical pedagogical multidisciplinary
integrative model in the learning and teaching of engineering courses. The focus of the paper is
on electronic engineering students’ knowledge of the mathematical ideas adopted and how the
students blend and integrate advanced mathematics into their learning of physical electronics in
a basic electronics course. The participants report that certain strategies are adopted when
integrating mathematical concepts into the teaching and learning of physical electronics. These
include Identification of the problem, selection of appropriate mathematical ideas, the analysis of
the problem mathematics concepts, recognizing the degree of the mathematics concepts usage
during integration, memorization method and the final result of interdisciplinary integration. This
study was carried out using a qualitative approach of data collection in order to report a
naturalistic view of the 15 electronics engineering students learning physical electronics as a
course.
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