Problems of Teaching Mathematics to Students of Universities of Water Transport and Ways to Solve Them

The article discusses the problems of mathematical training of students of universities of water transport. The development of digital technologies forces us to reconsider the model of personnel training in the transport industry. That’s why we considered it important to find out: 1) the level of digital literacy of students; 2) the level of formation of mathematical knowledge; 3) the ability to solve traditional mathematical problems and tasks modeling professional activity; 4) whether digital competencies are formed spontaneously. To achieve this goal, diagnostic tools have been developed to assess the level of digital literacy and the level of mathematical knowledge of students. As a result of the survey, it was revealed that the level of digital literacy of students is at a fairly high level, but students experience some difficulties when using digital services and programs; many students cannot justify and reproduce the algorithm for solving problems; students have difficulty solving problems modeling professional activities. Thus, the obtained research results indicate the need to develop methods and original didactic means of teaching mathematics to students of universities of water transport, aimed at developing the skills to solve professional problems using mathematical knowledge and digital technologies.