Comparison to the National Standards


The Dartmouth Project for Teaching Engineering Problem Solving shares the vision of mathematics and science literacy that is driving current efforts for curricular reform. Although the development of the Dartmouth/Thayer framework began on a completely different track from that of the national standards for mathematics and science literacy, the similarity between it and the standards is remarkable.

 

A comparison of elements of the Dartmouth/Thayer framework for engineering problem solving and aspects of the national standards developed by the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and the National Research Council (NRC)

Engineering problem solving Science Education Standards Mathematics Standards
Students work in teams to solve open-ended problems they care about, planning their own course of investigation, and taking responsibility for completing the task. Éstudents [learn] science by actively engaging in inquiries of interest and importance to them
(I-5)

Teachers challenge students to take responsibility for their own learning and to work collaboratively. (II-9)

[S]tudents need to experience genuine problems regularly. (10)

Égreater opportunities should be provided for small-group work [and] peer instruction (128)

Students consider in the course of problem solving real-world constraints, such as potential consumers for their solution and its cost-effectivenees. TeacherÉdevelop communities of science learning that reflectÉthe attitudes and social values conducive to science learning. (II-22) Connecting mathematics with Édaily affairs underscores the utility of the subject. (148)
Students integrate into their problem solving related mathematics and science as well as other related disciplines. Student achievement in science and other school disciplinesÉis enhanced by coordination among the science program and other programs. (VI-9) [S]tudentsÉuse and value the connections between mathematics and other disciplinesÉ Developing mathematics as an integrated wholeÉincrease[s] the potential for retention and transfer of mathematics. (148)
Students utilize a variety of resources including libraries, technology, alternative media, and the expertise of members of the professional and business worlds. The science program gives students access to appropriate and sufficient resources, including time, materials and equipment, space, teachers, and community. (VI-11) [S]tudents use the computer as a tool for processing information and performing calculations to investigate and solve problems. (8)
Students communicate their progress through written reports and oral presentations. Students should develop the abilities associated with accurate and effective communciation includingÉusing language appropriatelyÉ, speaking clearly and logically, Éand responding to critical commentsÉ (V-128) All students need extensive experience listening to, reading about, writing about, reflecting on, and demonstrating mathematical ideas. (140)
Student work is assessed through a review process which includes informal feedback on project progress, formal written and oral presentations, and self-assessment. Teachers interview students and require formal performance tasks, investigative reports, written reports, pictorial work, models, inventions, and other creative expressions of understanding. (II-15)

Students need the opportunity to evaluate and reflect on their own scientific understanding and skills (IV-22)

Éa variety of assessment formats [should include] written and oral tests, observations, essays, and performance evaluations. (196)