Helping engineers learn mathematics: a development research approach.

A mathematics module in the undergraduate programme for first year engineers aims to enable those with low mathematical qualifications to understand and use efficiently calculus and related topics. The teaching approach is designed to develop student's fluency, understanding and responsibility through creating an inquiry community, encouraging students to engage with materials and support opportunities and extending their thinking through investigative problems. Research is exploring the provision and outcomes of the module. Findings so far indicate highly variable patterns of attendance at sessions and scores on class tests. Attitudes to the module, relationships with students attending sessions and appreciation of materials and support are generally good. Achievement of the aims of the module, however, is relatively low.