Assessment-Driven Learning of Mathematics for Engineering Students

Abstract

HELM (Helping Engineers Learn Mathematics) is a three-year curriculum development project undertaken by a consortium of five universities (Loughborough, Hull, Reading, Sunderland and UMIST) which aims to enhance the mathematical education of engineering undergraduates by the provision of flexible learning resources. HELM makes extensive use of a computer aided assessment (CAA) regime, available in web- and CD-based versions, to drive student learning. This paper first describes the HELM learning resources and outlines the project's assessment philosophy; the HELM assessment regime and how it can be successfully used for both formative and summative assessment are then described. Finally, the viability of the HELM assessment regime across the higher education sector is examined.