From "Why solving X?” to “This is why?!” Fostering innovation trough compulsory Maths Assignments

The mathematics department in collaboration with the Idea Generator also known as idea-Gym (i-GYM) at the Central University of Technology (CUT) imbedded an innovation component into the content of Engineering Mathematics 3. This subject is a compulsory component in the second year of the three-year degree engineering courses for mechanical, electrical and civil engineering students. The inclusion was motivated as an extension of problem solving to real world applications and not only applications limited to solving x in the classroom. Students are tasked to innovate a novel solution to a specific problem which does not necessary require advanced engineering knowledge, putting the assignment within reach of a second-year student.  The assignment is compulsory with a credit weight contributing towards course marks.  Students graduating with an engineering degree require additional skills to set them apart from other graduates across South African universities in securing employment. Skills students had to acquire as part of the innovation assignment included gas welding (PDTS), computer aided design (Fablab), sign language (Disability unit) and brick making using repurposed material (Civil lab). Students work in groups of three and submit a PowerPoint demonstrating their innovation together with a first milestone cost of prototype component (idea Gym) at the end of the assignment time of two months. All PowerPoints are evaluated by the idea Gym and the mathematics department with the best 10 innovations forwarded to a competition hosted by the idea gym. The entry into the competition is not compulsory but a monetary reward serves as motivation for student compliance. All students are however given the option to further their product under the guidance of the idea Gym. The mathematics department’s vision to create awareness amongst students of the connection between tools, skills & problem solving resonates with CUT’s vision 2030 to produce work-ready, entrepreneurial and holistic graduates.