Reinforcement of logical-mathematical reasoning in new Engineering students to reduce failing and dropout rates

Abstract

The paper exposes the results of an experiment carried out at the Universidad Tecnológica del Valle de Toluca, in the major of Information and Communication Technologies. It consisted of strengthening or developing the logical and mathematical reasoning in new students to reduce the failing and dropout rates. A sample of thirty students was selected, to whom the proposed strategy was applied, a course with exercises and activities to strengthen or develop logical and mathematical reasoning; This workshop was designed according to the cognitive functions and mental operations established by Reuven Feuerstein in his Theory of Cognitive Modifiability. Before and after the workshop, a test was proposed by the CENEVAL (Centro Nacional de Evaluación para la Educación Superior) in an interactive guide for applicants taking the entrance exam for higher level education, afterwards, the failing and dropout rates were calculated, both for the pilot group and for the rest of the students who did not participate in the experiment. The hypothesis was not completely verified, since only one of the analyzed indexes was reduced, interesting results and some recommendations as future work are also addressed.