DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION LEARNING ENGAGEMENT EXPERIENCE AMONG THE CIVIL ENGINEERING STUDENTS USING COMPUTER ALGEBRA SYSTEM

Abstract

This article discusses a novel instructional method for a civil engineering course focused on solving a spring-mass system's differential equation (DE). The Computer Algebra System (CAS), MAXIMA, is used by our approach to prioritize practical learning, especially in solving ordinary differential equations. By ensuring minimal programming effort, we designed MAXIMA applications to enhance the learning experience, enabling intuitive investigation of the spring-mass system by students. Student belief in solving DE is significantly enhanced by this method, as indicated by our study, in comparison to traditional approaches. Incorporating CAS, these findings offer crucial insights into creating innovative educational strategies for engineering students.