AUTHOR=Vivanco-Galván Oscar , Castillo-Malla Darwin , Suconota Edgar , Quizphe Rolando , Jiménez-Gaona Yuliana 

TITLE=Enhancing mathematical function understanding in university students: a comparative study of design thinking vs. traditional teaching methods

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Education

VOLUME=Volume 9 - 2024

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/education/articles/10.3389/feduc.2024.1364642

DOI=10.3389/feduc.2024.1364642

ISSN=2504-284X

ABSTRACT=This methodology aims to develop a problem-solving scientific approach called design thinking as a strategy for learning mathematics functions. The study was applied to a sample of 138 students of biochemical, biological, and industrial engineering careers attending the first academic cycle at the Faculty of Natural and Exact Sciences of the Particular Technical University of Loja-Ecuador. The methodology uses a quasi-experimental design with a convenience sampling method. All participants were divided into a control group (C, D, K) and an experimental group (P, Q, R). Knowledge, skills, perceptions, and engagement were measured through pretest and posttests, workshops, rubrics, projects, and survey instruments. The pretest results indicate that both groups had similar knowledge of mathematical functions (pretest mean experimental group: 1.42 / 2 and mean control group: 1.55 / 2). Moreover, after applying the DT strategy to the experimental group, the variables questionnaire, project, and workshop show statistical differences (p < 0.001) between groups related to the Traditional Learning strategy, increasing the experimental group's score in the project (posttest mean experimental group: 1.62 / 2 points, and mean control group: 1.65 / 2). The survey opinion indicates that 53.5% of the experimental group highlighted the project's development as positively impacting their academic training. In conclusion, problem-