Teaching and learning mathematics and statistics at an Agricultural Engineering School

Abstract

This paper focuses on the teaching and learning of mathematical topics at the School of Agricultural Engineering of Barcelona in Spain. The teaching and learning process was hindered by under-achievement, absenteeism and lack of motivation on the student’s side. To overcome such obstacles we decided to set to work a new design for the subjects involved with the help of computer and other technologies. Therefore we devised a methodology based on the use of technical tools aiming at solving standard problems and fostering the communication teacher-student. This paper outlines the activities performed to the purpose, depending on the specific contents of each subject matter and the context where they are conducted. However, the use (and misuse) of technology entails some drawbacks, which can be sorted out by means of other kinds of activities, such as lectures, different types of examination questions or the achievement of a project work. Since the implementation of the sketched methodology absenteeism turns out to decrease, whereas students’ motivation seems to improve. In fact students employ statistical tools more frequently than in previous years to fulfil their final degree project. Likewise this methodology contributes to enhance students’ independent work, which matches perfectly the framework of the European Credit Transfer System.