This study examined the effectiveness of an intensive learning model in core mathematics courses within engineering education. The model restructures the academic semester so that students study one course at a time in concentrated learning blocks, rather than studying several courses in parallel, with the aim of improving academic achievement and student engagement in engineering mathematics courses. The research employed a quantitative, quasi-experimental, longitudinal design and included 66 undergraduate engineering students who completed three mathematics courses: Linear Algebra, Calculus II, and Differential Equations. Academic performance and learning behavior data were analyzed using mixed-design ANOVA, multiple linear regression, and MANOVA analyses. The findings indicate that students who studied under the intensive learning model achieved significantly higher final grades compared with students in the traditional parallel-course structure. Engagement variables emerged as strong predictors of academic success, particularly class attendance and assignment submission. Academic performance remained stable across the three mathematics courses, and prior academic background variables did not significantly predict achievement. Overall, the results suggest that restructuring mathematics instruction into intensive learning blocks may enhance student engagement and academic performance in demanding quantitative courses, thereby supporting student success and persistence in engineering education.
Gamlieli et al. (Wed,) studied this question.