“Feel free to ask”: Nudging to promote asking questions in the online classroom

Asking questions is vital for learning, yet students seldom exhibit this behavior. Given the increasing presence of online classrooms in tertiary education, it is much needed to examine ways to encourage students to ask questions and increase their engagement. Despite the critical role of asking questions to enhance learning, little is known...

Research on mathematical competencies in engineering education: Where are we now?

In tertiary mathematics education for engineers (hereafter called service mathematics education, SME), there is a long-lasting controversy on what and how to teach. The goal of SME is to provide a base for engineering-specific courses and to develop mathematical competencies needed for academic success and professional practice. A leading...

Mathematical competencies and blended education: How to build a resilient course?

1.1 Background To educate future competent engineers, it is crucial to adopt teaching and learning approaches that support students in dealing with highly complex problems [1]. One strategy is to enhance service mathematics in higher engineering education by shifting from outcome-centered to competence-centered approaches [2]. This strategy...

Olli Play: A new modality in child-toy ownership

This project aims to plant a seed in the minds of children to develop sustainable behaviour now and inspire an attitude of environmental stewardship for the future. Children grow up in a take-make-dispose world driven by consumerism. This world is characterised by the continuous production of new consumer products. This has a significant...