Diseño y evaluación de material de apoyo en matemáticas básicas para alumnos procedentes de ciclos formativos en la escuela politécnica superior de Zamora

Abstract

In this work we present the design, use and evaluation of an online course based on Moodle that has been used as a support for the acquisition of basic math skills. The starting mathematical background of all firstyear students of Mechanical Engineering at the Higher Polytechnic School of Zamora was analyzed initially using a test of basic knowledge in Calculus. By this test we found that the group of students coming from the Superior Vocational Training had significant deficiencies in their mathematical background compared to the students of the same course coming from Bachelor. To overcome this difference, which had already been detected in prior years, we designed an on-line course based on Moodle, containing theoretical summaries, worked examples and questionnaires to be completed, on the main error topics detected in the initial test. After this voluntary on-line course, that took place along the first four months on the 2012-2013 school year, assessment activities were conducted: on the course itself (materials, topics, timing, etc..), on students' confidence in their mathematical skills, and on their confidence on the examination of subjects of mathematical content. Thereafter, we have analyzed the qualifications to see if they had experienced improvements in their scores. It was found that the students who had completed the course had a higher confidence in their mathematical skills and their chances of success in the subjects of mathematical content. We have also found a positive influence on the academic results: participation rates have been improved as well as the average marks obtained by these students.