The Role of Mathematics and Modeling in a Competency Centered Learning system

With competency based learning in a project driven environment, we are facing a different perspective of how students perceive mathematical modelling. In this paper, a model is proposed where conventional education is seen as a process from math to design, while competency driven approaches tend to have an inverted sequence. We assumed there is a virtual barrier for on-demand learning when touching the mathematical modelling layer under the layer of technical skills. Several successful attempts were done in the past to remove the technology skill from the chain in order to make the opportunities of modelling visible. After experiencing the modelling competency in such a setting, students can beneficially deploy it for technology. We evaluated this model based on a learning activity which was changed from traditional education into competency centred learning.