Study of Wave Motion and Teaching Methods in Engineering Problem Solving Course

The importance of First Year Engineering Student (FYES) retention and overall success is predicated on their recent academic success in high school to an often struggling first semester student. Many FYES have limited knowledge of how a mathematical equation relates to a physical concept, for example the sine wave function meaning as a sound wave or harmonic oscillator. A FYES typically takes Pre-Calculus or Calculus where functions are presented including the sine wave function. Through practical lecture material of wave motion and hands-on problem solving using Matlab the FYES student learning is enhanced. The purpose of this paper is to describe the teaching method used for explaining wave motion using Matlab and everyday-life analogies along with lessons learned.