Students' mathematical modelling competencies developed in addressing a real-world problem

In the present work, the efficacy of an educational project on mathematical modelling, based on a real-world problem posed by a stakeholder, is evaluated using a qualitative analysis of the students' final outcome of the project, a scientific report. The analysis has been carried out based on the mathematical modelling competencies which can be retrieved in the report. Modelling competencies related to all the steps of the modelling cycle can be found, thus showing the efficacy of the project in making students going through the whole modelling process. Moreover, the analysis provided some indications for the characterization of one step of the modelling cycle in terms of competencies, which is not so much investigated in the literature. A scientific report can then be considered as an effective evaluation instrument for mathematical modelling teaching experiences based on real-world problems and carried out employing group work.