Quantitative skills (QS) are defined as “the ability to apply mathematical and statistical thinking and reasoning in context” (Rylands et al. 2013). The need for QS in engineering is clearly articulated as an element of competency, “1.2 Concept understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics and computer and information sciences which underpin the technology domain” (Engineers Australia, 2013). In 2014 the Office for Learning and Teaching (OLT) funded an extension project that developed comprehensive lists of key graduate QS and mapped the first-year QS in science and engineering courses. The Bachelor of Engineering Technology (BET; Civil and Environmental), which is offered via blended modes of learning (on-campus and distance), was included in this project. Cross-institutional benchmarking forms part of Engineers Australia accreditation, and this mapping would allow visual representation of QS across the curriculum. Detailed analysis of QS covered at each institution would identify gaps and disparities between disciplines and courses within and between institutions. However, to allow benchmarking to occur, the graduate QS need to be identified. The list of graduate QS for the BET has been completed at one institution. To evaluate its validity, it would be invaluable to compare the list with other institutions and disciplines; and for Bachelor of Engineering (BE). Dr Wilkes will facilitate this workshop. She has over a decade of teaching experience, was awarded an OLT Citation for her work using technology to help alleviate mathematics anxiety in a blended learning environment, and has been involved in two OLT projects examining first-year mathematics.
