Basic mathematical modelling competencies for non-stem higher education

Abstract

The role of mathematical modelling pertains several disciplines, both STEM and non-STEM, and various fields: education, academy, work, everyday and social life. Despite its importance, it is not uncommon to see university students facing difficulties with the use of Mathematics to create models, even when mathematical entities that play a role in facing a problem belong to the study programs of secondary schools, and should thus be familiar also to students without a specific background in Mathematics. Difficulties can arise in various phases of modelling: in the comprehension of the problem, in the translation into mathematical formulas, in the resolution process or even in the interpretation of the results. In this paper, we give an analysis of an online test taken by 75 non-STEM students. The 10 questions of the test focused on specific items in mathematical modelling. During the test, students had to write down the reason why they chose a specific answer. The test allowed us to find and categorize the common errors students make and the phase in which it happens, suggesting actions in order to prevent them. Results show percentages of errors and discuss students’ arguments.