I decide, therefore I am (relevant!): A project‐based learning experience in linear algebra

Abstract

Abstract-We present a project-based learning experience in the context of linear algebra developed for the recently launched double major in Business Administration and Management/Engineering of Technology and Telecommunication Services at the Universitat Politècnica de València 2014-15. Decision-making is used to motivate students towards applying, understanding, and appreciating linear algebra in a diversity of projects. This experience introduces students to the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), a multi-attribute, decision-making technique that is rooted in linear algebra. Through a simulation scenario, each team of students develops a project about any real-world problem consisting of a decision-making process in the presence of multiple intangibles. At the same time, the algebraic fundamentals that make the process valid and consistent are clarified. The students showed great interest in the experience; and the results obtained confirmed that the activities helped them understand several complex concepts related to linear algebra, and fostered a significant interest in a subject traditionally considered frighteningly abstract. Finally, the students appreciated the stimulating insights provided by linear algebra that are crucial in decision-making. This multi-disciplinary experience enables the evaluation of several cross skills and competencies such as critical thinking and ethical leadership.

Applications (Ideas) in Linear Algebra with Digital Image Processing. Can we Do, Teach, Motivate and Evaluate?

“…The references Zin et al (2015), Ohrstrom et al (2005) revealing that students seem to appreciate the contribution of these transforming teaching and learning approach to their lectures. With these experiences enables the evaluation of several cross skills and competencies such as critical thinking and ethical leadership as Izquierdo says (Izquierdo et al, 2016).…”

A computer game for teaching and learning algebra topics at undergraduate level

“…Thus, we believe that the incorporation of a GBL strategy could improve the cognitive and emotional responses of engineering students with regard to mathematical concepts. However, the biased perception of mathematics as a difficult subject to learn, the lack of motivation among students, and the inadequate or insufficient exposure of basic topics are some of the issues that negatively affect the learning of mathematics [9,24]. Therefore, research has been carried out with the aim of improving the mathematical skills of young students enrolled in engineering programs at undergraduate level.…”

Nitrate Contamination of Bottled Water:&nbsp;Description of a Project-based Learning Experience<br /> &nbsp;

“…PBL use has extended to all fields of science. PBL has been employed in fields as diverse as linear algebra (Izquierdo et al, 2016), geography (Bowlick, Bednarz, & Goldberg, 2016), or chemistry (Barak & Dori, 2004). Strategies bases in PBL were employed to train teachers with very different purposes, for example, for the integration of educational technologies into their teaching practices (Chen, 2011) or for the development of strategies for the prevention of drug abuse (Amnesty & Páez, 2018).…”