ABP proposal to consolidate proportionality in engineering education: Experience in the construction of access ramps

Abstract

Difficulties in learning mathematics are a topic discussed in many forums and the subject of much research. This problem, present at all educational levels, is also present in university life. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to propose an activity based on Problem-Based Learning (PBL) that allows students not only to use their prior knowledge to solve a challenging problem but also to be highly motivating for them. The participants in this activity were first-year university students enrolled in a mathematics preparatory course for engineering. As a result of the experience, it was observed that the students were able to infer and use different basic mathematical concepts, such as proportion and the Pythagorean theorem, and, above all, they became aware of the need for accessible spaces for people with reduced mobility.