A Differential Equations Course for Engineers Through Modelling and Technology

Abstract

This chapter presents an experience of an educational practice in a private university in México involving a different way to teach a Differential Equations course for future engineers based on a didactical proposal developed through mathematical modelling. This proposal emphasizes that mathematics is a human activity that answers problems of a different nature, and throughout this problem solving activity it is likely that the emergence of mathematical concepts, notions and procedures occurs. Modelling is an important foundation to the design of this proposal. Three modelling situations are presented that are performed in a class of differential equations designed to ensure that students transitioning between different stages of the modelling cycle put into play different skills that are generally poorly treated in a traditional setting. Some preliminary results are outlined.