Filtering the course outcomes for engineering mathematics lab via Rasch model

Abstract

The aim of this study is to use Rasch model as a method to filter the suitable course outcomes for Engineering Mathematics lab. A pre-test was conducted for each of the Vector Calculus, Linear Algebra and Differential Equation subjects. The analysis of each subject was run against the Rasch model. The person item distribution map managed to divide the course outcomes into different categories. The categories are very difficult, difficult, moderate and easy. From a total of 16-course outcomes from 3 subjects, only 8-course outcomes were filtered and chosen for the suggested Engineering Mathematics lab session. Partial derivatives, line integrals, Greens' theorem, vector space, power series, first and second order of differential equations, second order non-homogeneous differential equations and Fourier series are identified as the course outcomes for the lab sessions. A two-hour lab session is suggested for each of the course outcomes. Conducting lab sessions for Engineering Mathematics subjects parallel with traditional lectures will help the students widen their knowledge in Engineering Mathematics and to perform better in the subjects. Lab session (C) 2018 The Authors. Published by IASE.