Improving success in engineering calculus: Design of a bridge program

Background: Bridge programs to strengthen mathematics skills for students who aspire to be engineers have been instituted at universities for over 20 years. Most of them have faced similar challenges, but at the same time have shown positive results. Generally these programs involved face-to-face instruction, although more recent ones have incorporated mathematics skills software for the purpose of improving test scores for placement into first semester engineering calculus. In addition, some universities have established programs to support students who are struggling during the first semester. Focus of summer programs has been on students whose scores fall below a required cut score for entry into engineering calculus or an engineering program rather than students who have already met the required score. Recruitment and retention in bridge programs has been challenging because very few are mandatory. Purpose: The hypothesis is that a new type of bridge program can be designed based on prior experiences and knowledge to a) attract at-risk students who already placed into Engineering Calculus I as beginning freshmen and b) improve confidence and mathematical knowledge for the students who participate. Design/Method: Results from prior bridge programs at other universities were studied through a literature review. In addition to that knowledge, data from grades and surveys with other bridge programs at our own university were used to design the new program. Results: A new bridge program was designed, based on prior knowledge and experience. The program attracted 200 students who were placed into Engineering Calculus I as beginning freshmen. Although the surveys are not complete and a number of students did not complete the course, the responses submitted so far show that over 90% of the students feel better prepared for Engineering Calculus I. Conclusions: It is expected the new bridge program will continue to be offered. Although it cannot be offered free in the future, it is expected that the fee necessary to sustain it will be small enough that students will continue to enrol.