Developing communication competencies through university courses in mathematics

Authors

Keywords:

communication competencies

Abstract

This paper is focused on the results of a two-year study on the potential for developing of soft skills within university mathematics courses. Without neglecting the main function of mathematics courses (developing mathematical knowledge and skills for problem-solving, analytical thinking, quantitative thinking, the ability to manipulate precise concepts and complex ideas, critical thinking, building logical circuits and finding false arguments), the authors are looking for the potential for the development of transferable soft skills and competencies such as: communication skills, creative thinking, teamwork, ability to communicate with other people, decision making, problem solving, personal traits, etc. The results of the study are analysed, and approaches used by the authors in their long-term practice for improving some aspects of the communication skills of the students are proposed.

Author Biographies

Penka Georgieva, Burgas Free University

penka.georgieva@bfu.bg

Evgeniya Nikolova, Burgas Free University

Burgas, Bulgaria

enikolova@bfu.bg

References

Lifelong learning — key competences, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=LEGISSUM:c11090

P. V. Georgieva, E. P. Nikolova. Enhancing Communication Competences through Mathematics in Engineering Curriculum. 42nd International Convention on Information and Communication Technology, Electronics and Microelectronics, MIPRO2019.

NYT: “How the modern workplace has become more like preschool”, www.nytimes.com/2015/10/18/upshot/how-the-modern-workplace-has-become-more-like-preschool.html.

World Economic Forum: “New Vision for Education: Fostering Social and Emotional Learning through Technology.” www3.weforum.org/docs/WEFUSA_NewVisionforEducation_Report2015.pdf.

P. Georgieva, E. Nikolova, D. Orozova. Tendencies in Software Engineering Education. 12th annual International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation, ICERI2019.

P. Georgieva. Sistemi za kompyutarna matematika i MOOCs, Kompyutarni nauki i komunikatsii, 7, № 1 (2018), 125–131.

P. Georgieva. Prilozhenie na sistemata za kompyutarna algebra MUPAD v obuchenieto po vissha matematika, Godishnik na BSU, 2014.

P. V. Georgieva, E. P. Nikolova. Changing the Assessment Process in Mathematics for Students in Engineering, 43rd International Convention on Information, Communication and Electronic Technology (MIPRO), Opatija, Croatia, 2020, 1537–1542.

P. Georgieva, E. Nikolova, D. Orozova. Data Cleaning Techniques in Detecting Tendencies in Software Engineering, 43rd International Convention on Information, Communication and Electronic Technology, Opatija, Croatia, 2000, 1028–1033.

Published

2021-04-01

How to Cite

[1]
Georgieva, P. and Nikolova, E. 2021. Developing communication competencies through university courses in mathematics. Mathematics and Education in Mathematics. 50, (Apr. 2021), 238–244.

Issue

Section

Section C: Education in Mathematics