Skills and competencies in mathematics of engineering students in context of sustainable development

Abstract

High quality STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education, as well as education and training in general, contributes to sustained economic growth, as well as sustainable development by innovation, productivity and competitiveness. Increasingly, working with students highlights a problem that is growing every year, making it very difficult for students to study and understand the substance they are learning. A large percentage of students have poor school (primary, secondary) knowledge in exact subjects. That influences teacher's work as well. It is important to understand why such a situation has emerged and progresses. The authors of the article have conducted interviews for students of the two largest Latvia universities, -the Riga Technical University and the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, as well as for students from one of the most recognized college - the Riga Technical College. Several academic experts have been interviewed. The article reflects the results of a study on the level of knowledge of engineering program students in mathematics, when they start studies, as well as the growth of the level of knowledge in this field during studies. The article also reflects the results of a high-school math teacher interview; the article summarizes the results of the study, puts forward major challenges and offers solutions to problems.