Factors that influence the failure rate of Mathematics I in the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture at the Catholic University of El Salvador: a methodological proposal to improve quality

Abstract

In the last years, it has been demonstrated many learning Math problems in the different universities of El Salvador, creating with this a failing, a dropping out, and major changes. From this problem, Universidad Católica de El Salvador is not excluded; especially the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture. In El Salvador, the Ministry of Education (MINED) does a test of learning and aptitudes (PAES) when students finish high school to evaluate the level of learning that they have. In 2014, the average of PAES in Math 
area was 4.79.

The investigation was focused on analyzing the factors that influence in the failing and dropping out of Math I in the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture of Universidad Católica de El Salvador. Identifying that for the year of study the average of Math was 4.92. This is a grade that does not differ too much from the average given by MINED. Does it influence in the failing that universities have?

Data collection was done through a survey that was addressed to students enrolled in Math I in semester I-2015. There were results that allow determining the factors that influence in the failing and gave a strategy that can be applied for the teacher in future years.