Analysis of difficulties in learning engineering mechanics and their influence on the enrollment in a course of statics

The purpose of the study is to investigate the difficulties encountered by students in learning the Engineering Mechanics course offered by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, SFU. The study was designed to investigate two questions: (1) What are the typical difficulties for students in learning Engineering Mechanics? (2) Why is the enrollment in the course low and how do the above mentioned difficulties influence student enrollment?;The difficulties were analyzed and classified. The following groups of difficulties were discussed: difficulties related to problem-solving process, difficulties related to mathematics and difficulties related to the textbook. The study revealed the typical mistakes related to the problem-solving process. Analysis of results of homework, midterms and final exam is presented.;The ways to overcome the difficulties are suggested. Some suggestions are made regarding the implications for teaching and students' motivation. The relation between the difficulties and enrollment are discussed.;The study might be used to prescribe remediation to overcome difficulties in the course and for developing student interest in Engineering Mechanics which may result in increased enrollment in this course. The research might be of general interest to those mathematical teachers in colleges who prepare students for an engineering career.