Mathematical modelling and activation – a study on a large class, a project-based task and students' flow

International audienceWe studied how engineering students in a large class (n=346) can be activated by a project-based task, in which they have to model mathematically the motion of an object. The students had to throw an object, use (1) their smart phones for filming, and (2) tracker software for capturing the motion. Through a poster, they had to report their video analysis. We framed activation through the concept of flow, which is a state of being fully absorbed by an activity. We administered a web-based questionnaire (response rate 69%). The results show that such a project-based task is feasible with >300 students and activated them: three out of five experienced flow. Also, we validated the theory that for experiencing flow, a task must be perceived as challenging and that one's skills should match that challenge