Promoting Analogical Reasoning in a Numerical Methods Class

The biggest challenge for engineering classes in numerical methods or modeling is illustrating the application of numerical methods to engineering systems. In chemical engineering, these courses are often taught shortly after the introductory mass and energy balance class so students are lacking in advanced applications needed to illustrate numerical methods for solving dynamic systems. To overcome this limitation, we apply these numerical methods to an analogous problem that is not technical. This approach removes the cognitive load associated with learning the new application alongside learning a new numerical method. If the non-technical examples are sufficiently relatable, and analogous to engineering examples we hypothesize that transfer will occur to more technical applications. Further, by choosing analogous applications that are humorous and engaging, it can increase instructor immediacy and student confidence. Results from applying this approach to several large numerical methods classes are presented. Best practices and the importance of active learning to this process is discussed.