Each year, the University of Agder holds a six-week summer course in mathematics for engineering students.
It is an introductory course for students who have the necessary qualifications but did not study advanced mathematics in upper secondary school.
In 2024 the course format was changed.
Professor Morten Brekke gave much of the responsibility to three handpicked student assistants: Emma Nesdal Slinning, Luis Fernando Jack and Julian Gjestvang.
The changes produced good results compared to 2023:
The failure rate in engineering mathematics was halved when the students took their final exam in December 2024.
More freedom and greater responsibility
The new format provides students with more freedom. Previously, they had three hours of lectures and three hours of exercises each day. Now, they can watch videos at their convenience.
Brekke has recorded videos covering all the chapters in the textbook.
The three learning assistants are available every day from 8:00 to 16:00 to help students with questions.
Students take three digital tests throughout the course. They can use all resources. Each test can be taken four times, and students must get 60 per cent correct to pass.
"The students have to take responsibility on their own. They choose what they need help with, and it also helps them plan their study routine," says Brekke.
Students can also request extra lectures if they need them.
Students helping students
Emma Nesdal Slinning was one of the learning assistants. She believes that having students as mentors was important for the success of the course.
"We have been through this ourselves. We know how difficult it can be. Besides, for many, it's easier to ask us for advice than a professor," she says.
The students were satisfied
Evaluations show that the students liked the new format. On a scale from 1 to 5, the course received good scores:
- The work methods enhance understanding: 4.18
- The course is relevant: 4.23
- The teaching promotes academic development: 4.25
- Digital tools aid learning: 4.29
Course is compulsory
The summer course in mathematics is compulsory for engineering students who lack advanced mathematics from upper secondary school.
The course must be passed in July. Afterwords, students can start their bachelor's programme in August and take the exam in December.
The course is offered both on-campus and online. About 50 students attended in person, while about 100 participated online.
Heading to Germany
The new course format will be used in this summer's course. Emma Nesdal Slinning and Luis Fernando Jack will again be involved as learning assistants.
But first, they will attend a conference on mathematics for engineers in Germany.
Along with Brekke, they will present a paper they have written about the new course.
Brekke will also give a lecture titled 'Lecture on demand at a bridging mathematics course'.