Motivating students to study the basics of electronic engineering in the world full of electronics

Abstract

This paper describes the experience in teaching the basic engineering mathematics and physics as part of projects involving digital signal processing, programming, circuit theory, dynamical systems and control theory at the department of Electronics and Information Technology, at the Copenhagen University College of Engineering in Denmark. Modern engineering students are difficult to motivate in order to learn pure theoretical issues such as solving differential equations. Especially when we talk about undergraduate engineering students, who do not expect to continue their education higher than a Bachelor of Engineering. At the same time, and for the same reason, the fail rate in mathematics and physics is very high during the first two semesters. This was the reason we decided to change the structure of our education and incorporate the theory with practical projects. This paper describes the main points of our program, and shows some examples of semester-projects. Semester projects are the motivating factors. The examination results show improved learning potential, when using this method of educating mathematics and physics. The students' evaluations show a very positive effect on their experience with this "practical" way of learning the theory. The evaluation results have shown higher pass rates and higher grading, especially for the practical oriented students.