We have introduced a novel approach to competency-based education in mechatronics from the undergraduate to the postgraduate level. What distinguishes this approach is the integration of modeling and control of sampled systems right from the beginning of the undergraduate education. It is achieved by changing the structure of the first-semester…

This paper reports a study of 10 post-secondary STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) instructors' beliefs about mathematical modelling and the role of mathematics in STEM coursework. The participants were selected from STEM disciplines that are atypical to the literature base (e.g. anthropology and geography), in order to extend…

Considering its relationships with real life and mathematics, mathematical modeling is one of the most effective ways of learning and teaching mathematics. In this study, the effect of teaching with mathematical modeling on students' mathematics achievement was examined using the meta-analysis method. An effect size of 51 was achieved with 45…

The aim of this study is to investigate the production and dissemination of mathematical modeling-based projects by gifted students, intended to solve real-life problems, over the four-year Project Production and Management Program (PPMP). The longitudinal research methodology was utilized to examine the project production process among…

Mathematics provides us with tools to capture and explain phenomena in everyday biology, even at the nanoscale. The most regularly applied technique to biology is differential equations. In this article, we seek to present how differential equation models of biological phenomena, particularly the flow through ion channels, can be used to motivate…

Adjusting the Calculus I curriculum by putting modelling and differential equations literally at its centre leads to a better-organised and better-motivated course. The biggest change is including a section on "qualitative" and "numerical" solutions to ordinary differential equations between the customary sections on…

In this paper, we discuss how a professor could have students, using rational and exponential functions, develop models for several different density-dependent populations based on characteristics of the species. Students would then need to choose an appropriate method from among three different analytic methods (find a solution, phase-line…

Differential equations (DEs) are a powerful tool for modeling real-world contexts. Most research in this area has examined students' understanding and reasoning with pre-packaged DEs, with little attention being given to setting up sophisticated DEs to model complicated real-world situations. This study contributes through a collective case study…

Several concerted movements toward mathematical modeling have been seen in the last decade, reflecting the growing global relationship between the role of mathematics in the context of modern science, technology and real life. The literature has mainly covered the theoretical basis of research questions in mathematical modeling and the use of…

This study examined seventh-grade students' emergent and progressive financial literacy in the context of risk and reward while working on two mathematical modelling tasks. The participants were six seventh-grade students identified as 'good at mathematics' by their teachers. The data sources comprised videotaped group discussions, group…

Background/purpose. Self-efficacy plays a crucial role in enhancing performance in complex tasks such as mathematical modeling, yet its impact remains underexplored. This study examines whether there are influences on students' self-efficacy in modeling. Materials/methods. The research method employs a quantitative design, utilizing regression…

The concept of mathematical modelling is an integral part of modern school mathematics curricula. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the mathematical modelling attitude between Malaysian and United Arab Emirates (UAE) teachers. We conducted a cross-sectional survey study with 413 Malaysian and UAE mathematics teachers as the sample for the…

On 24 June 1994 at Fairchild Air Force Base, during practice for an air show, a low-flying B-52H aircraft banked its wings vertically and crashed. Emphasizing the activity of modeling drag and gravity, these notes examine the possibility of recovery with several models. First, with algebra, historical data lead to a model where in a free fall near…

We present an example of one of the modelling projects we assign to students in our differential equations classes. Students are asked to determine how to run a cost-efficient hot water heating system. We consider a cylindrical tank filled with water and heated by a heating element immersed in it. Together with students we discuss physical laws…

Mathematical modelling has acquired relevance in different fields at an international level, both in education and research. This article states that, throughout the construction of the theoretical corpus of this mathematical process and competency -- among others -- two big issues have occurred: one of terminological nature since the definitions…