The Wright State model for engineering mathematics education: Highlights from A CCLI Phase 3 initiative, Volume 3

Abstract

The inability of incoming students to advance past the traditional first-year calculus sequence is a primary cause of attrition in engineering programs across the country. As a result, this paper will describe an NSF funded initiative at Wright State University to redefine the way engineering mathematics is taught, with the goal of increasing student retention, motivation and success in engineering. Since its inception in Fall of 2004, the Wright State model has had an overwhelming impact on the retention and success of engineering students at Wright State University, from first-year through graduation. As part of a 2008 NSF CCLI Phase 3 initiative, various aspects of the Wright State model are now under pilot adoption and assessment at a total of 15 institutions across the country. The last two years' papers have highlighted progress at a subset of the Phase 3 institutions, including the details of their diverse implementations and a preliminary assessment of their results. This year's paper (Volume 3) will highlight progress at three additional institutions, each of which has brought a novel perspective to the Wright State approach. © 2012 American Society for Engineering Education.