Results From the Implementation of Wright State Model for Engineering Mathematics at University of Detroit Mercy

Abstract

Difficulties with Calculus in engineering curriculum leads to many students abandoning engineering programs. This significant loss to the profession is not a new problem. A well-known approach to address this, first proposed by Wright State University, involves teaching an Engineering Mathematics class to freshmen engineering students. Taught by engineers, this course only covers topics that are actually used in early engineering courses and was recently added to the curriculum at University of Detroit Mercy. Using data from the initial offerings this paper discusses the experience of teaching it and the impact on retention and student success in early engineering courses.