RESEARCH PAPER
University electronics engineering students’ approaches of integrating mathematical ideas into the learning of physical electronics in basic electronics
 
More details
Hide details
1
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.
 
REFERENCES (30)
1.
Balanis, C. A. (2016). Antenna theory: Analysis and design. Wiley.
 
2.
Berlin, D. F., & White, A. L. (2010). Preservice mathematics and science teachers in an integrated teacher preparation program for grades 7–12: A 3-year study of attitudes and perceptions related to integration. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 8(1), 97-115. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763....
 
3.
Bissell, C., & Dillon, C. (2000). Telling tales: Models, stories and meanings. For the Learning of Mathematics, 20(3), 3-11.
 
4.
Bloomberg, L. D., & Volpe, M. (2018). Completing your qualitative dissertation. A road map from beginning to end. SAGE.
 
5.
Boix-Mansilla, V. (2008). Course description for S-306 interdisciplinary education: Preparing students for our contemporary world. Harvard Graduate School, Spring 2008 Course. http://www.gse.harvard.edu/aca....
 
6.
CAES. (2020). Handbook and administrative site for college of agriculture, engineering and science. University of KwaZulu-Natal. https://caes.ukzn.ac.za/wp-con....
 
7.
Campbell, C., & Henning, M. B. (2010). Planning, teaching, and assessing elementary education. interdisciplinary curriculum. International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, 22(2), 179-186.
 
8.
Cantwell, J., Piepenbrink, A., & Shukla, P. (2014). Assessing the impact of JIBS as an interdisciplinary journal: A network approach. Journal of International Business Studies, 45, 787-799. https://doi.org/10.1057/jibs.2....
 
9.
Chen, K., & Chen, C. (2021). Effects of STEM inquiry method on learning attitude and creativity. EURASIA Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 17(11), em2031. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmst....
 
10.
Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2018). Qualitative inquiry & research design: Choosing among five approaches. SAGE.
 
11.
Fasinu, V, G. (2017). Undergraduate electronics engineering students’ strategies of integrating their mathematical ideas into their learning of physical electronics [Master’s dissertation, University of KwaZulu-Natal].
 
12.
Fogarty, R. (1991). Ten ways to integrate curriculum. ASCD. http://www.ascd.org/ASCD/pdf/j....
 
13.
Froyd, J. E., & Ohland, M. W. (2005). Integrated engineering curricula. Journal of Engineering Education, 94(1), 147-164. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2168....
 
14.
Hestenes, D. (2003). Oersted Medal Lecture 2002: Reforming the mathematical language of physics. American Journal of Physics, 71(2), 104-121. https://doi.org/10.1119/1.1522....
 
15.
Jones, C. (2010). Interdisciplinary approach-advantages, disadvantages, and the future benefits of interdisciplinary studies. Essai, 7(1), 26. http://dc.cod.edu/essai/vol7/i....
 
16.
Khozali, N. B., & Karpudewan, M. (2020). An interdisciplinary Facebook incorporated STEM education strategy in teaching and learning of dynamic ecosystems. EURASIA Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 16(11), em1902. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmst....
 
17.
Kiray, S. A. (2012). A new model for the integration of science and mathematics: The balance model. Science and Technology Part B, Social and Educational Studies, 4(3), 1181-1196. https://files.eric.ed.gov/full....
 
18.
LasFever, K. S. (2008). Interdisciplinary teacher education: Reform in the global age [PhD thesis, Miami University].
 
19.
Lodico, M. G., Spaulding, D. T., & Voegtle, K. H. (2010). Methods in educational research: From theory to practice. Jossey-Bass.
 
20.
Mills, J. E., & Treagust, D. F. (2003). Engineering education: Is problem-based or project-based learning the answer. Australasian Journal of Engineering Education, 3(2), 2-16. http://www.aaee.com.au/journal....
 
21.
Newell, W. H. (2006). Decision making in interdisciplinary studies. In G. Morcol (Ed.), Handbook of decision-making (pp. 245-263). Marcel-Dekker. https://doi.org/10.1201/978142....
 
22.
Ng, A., Kewalramani, S., & Kidman, G. (2022). Integrating and navigating STEAM (inSTEAM) in early childhood education: An integrative review and in STEAM conceptual framework. EURASIA Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 18(7), em2133. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmst....
 
23.
Redish, E. F., & Kuo, E. (2015). Language of physics, language of math: Disciplinary culture and dynamic epistemology. Science & Education, 24(5), 561-590. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11191....
 
24.
Repko, A. F. (2008). Interdisciplinary research: Process and theory. SAGE.
 
25.
Repko, A. F., & Szostak, R. (2016). Interdisciplinary research: Process and theory. SAGE.
 
26.
Ríordáin, M. N., Johnston, J., & Walshe, G. (2016). Making mathematics and science integration happen: Key aspects of practice. International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, 47(2), 233-255. https://doi.org/10.1080/002073....
 
27.
Tuminaro, J. (2004). A cognitive framework for analyzing and describing introductory students’ use and understanding of mathematics in physics [Doctoral thesis, University of Maryland, College Park].
 
28.
Willcox, K., & Bounova, G. (2004). Mathematics in engineering: Identifying, enhancing and linking the implicit mathematics curriculum. In Proceeding of the 2004 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference and Exposition, American Society for Engineering Education (pp. 1-13). https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2--....
 
29.
Youngblood, D. (2007). Multidisciplinarity, interdisciplinarity, and bridging disciplines: A matter of process. Journal of Research Practice, 3(2), 1-8. https://jrp.icaap.org/index.ph....
 
30.
Zhou, Z. (2006). Integration of math and physics into electronic engineering technology courses. In Proceedings of the ASEE Southeast Section Conference (pp. 01-03). http://se.asee.org/proceedings....
 
eISSN:1305-8223
ISSN:1305-8215
Journals System - logo
Scroll to top