Mathematical knowledge in elementary school and for future engineers

Abstract

The basic mathematical skills are acquired in elementary school. This research compares basic mathematical knowledge of three groups - elementary school graduates, students from four different specialties (future engineers) with varied levels of higher mathematics and future teachers of mathematics. The study concludes that students from elementary school have better knowledge in comparison with students from university. The possible reason for that is resent acquirement of the study material and examination at finishing elementary school. It is also observed that several students had taken gap years between school and university, but the current educational system in Latvia does not require entrance examinations. Modern engineering education is founded on good basics of mathematics that are acquired in elementary school. The experience shows that acquisition of the course of mathematics at elementary school is the determinant factor for further successful acquisition of the course of higher mathematics.