Virtual Conference
July 26, 2021
July 26, 2021
July 19, 2022
Mathematics
13
10.18260/1-2--37487
https://peer.asee.org/37487
593
Dr. Blair J. McDonald, Associate Professor in the School of Engineering at Western Illinois University-Quad Cities, Moline, Illinois; PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Utah; Professional Engineer and Licensed Land Surveyor in Utah.
Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Philosophy at Western Illinois University - Quad Cities since 2013; Ph.D. earned in pure mathematics from the University of Iowa specializing in Topology; teaches statistics, applied calculus, calculus and analytical geometry, and ordinary differential equations; current research interest is in knot theory.
Abstract
In this paper, perceived student shortcomings that inhibit a student’s acceptance, development, and lifelong recognition of mathematics usage are discussed. Observations made in calculus and engineering statics regarding student attitudes towards mathematics, the use of mathematics, modern computing, and learning in general, are presented and discussed. Interventions are proposed to help students develop a lifelong appreciation for and awareness of the mathematics they will encounter and use, even if subconsciously, every day in professional practice. The paper concludes with a summary of student recognition of the impact of the interventions in their lives.
McDonald, B. J., & Brooks, S. C. (2021, July), Math in Engineering: Beyond the Equations Paper presented at 2021 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access, Virtual Conference. 10.18260/1-2--37487
ASEE holds the copyright on this document. It may be read by the public free of charge. Authors may archive their work on personal websites or in institutional repositories with the following citation: © 2021 American Society for Engineering Education. Other scholars may excerpt or quote from these materials with the same citation. When excerpting or quoting from Conference Proceedings, authors should, in addition to noting the ASEE copyright, list all the original authors and their institutions and name the host city of the conference. - Last updated April 1, 2015