Teaching-learning process of Calculus I based on programming with the assistant Mathematica

Abstract

Training highly qualified engineers is one of the challenges facing the Cuban Ministry of Higher Education today. In Cuba, the last decade of this century has seen engineering advancements that have improved every aspect of human life, which necessitates increasing the knowledge of future engineers to improve the country's socioeconomic conditions and thus remain at the forefront of technology and scientific development. However, the desired results and levels of preparation have not yet been achieved. This study aims to consider a teaching and learning approach for Calculus I, based on programming with Mathematica, for the Computer Engineering program at the Hermanos Saíz Montes de Oca University of Pinar del Río, as a support for developing mathematical problem-solving skills and professional expertise. The research used scientific methods: theoretical, empirical, and statistical, through the review of journal articles, research, and theoretical-methodological references associated with the teaching-learning process of Calculus I. The main results of the exploratory study are presented, and it is concluded, with a quasi-experiment, that the proposed conception has practical validity and a professionalized path with a systemic, contextualized, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary character for the resolution of professional problems.