"Discrete mathematics" in a technical university within the framework of modern trends in the modernization of higher education

Abstract

This article is devoted to the analysis of teaching discrete mathematics in technical universities in the context of modern trends in the modernization of higher education. The purpose of the study is to identify key areas for improving the methodology of teaching discrete mathematics, taking into account current educational trends and the needs of the labor market. To achieve this goal, methods of conceptual analysis of scientific literature, statistical processing of empirical data, and comparative analysis of curricula were used. The empirical base included the results of a survey of 326 teachers and 1,158 students from 12 leading technical universities in Russia for the period 2018-2023. The main results of the study indicate the need for: 1) strengthening the applied focus of the discrete mathematics course (r=0.78; p<0.01); 2) introducing interactive teaching methods, including project activities (r=0.69; p<0.01); 3) expanding the use of specialized software and online platforms (r=0.74; p<0.01). The discussion section discusses the theoretical significance of the results obtained for the development of the methodology of teaching mathematical disciplines, as well as their practical value for optimizing the educational process in technical universities. Promising areas of further research related to the development of innovative educational technologies and the adaptation of the course of discrete mathematics to the demands of the digital economy are outlined.