Are Math-Oriented Critical Thinking Elements in Civil Engineering Workplace Problems Significant?: Insights from Preliminary Data and Analysis

The rapid technological innovation in civil engineering is closely linked to the symbiosis between mathematics and civil engineering. These demand civil engineers to be competent and reliable in their mathematical and engineering skills. This paper describes a study on trends of engineering problems that engages math-oriented critical thinking (MOCT) elements. Exposures to the civil engineers at the workplace offer insights of the nature of problems in the real context and an exploration of the MOCT elements in solving these problems. The findings suggest mathematics educational endeavors to integrate authentic problem-solving experiences for civil engineering students.