Analysis of problems in modern mathematical education in higher educational institutions

currently, many university educators note a decline in the mathematical proficiency of students, which serves as the foundation for training highly qualified specialists capable of solving complex engineering problems. This paper provides an analysis of mathematical education in higher educational institutions. The main challenges and factors influencing the development of mathematical thinking are identified. Key mechanisms for addressing these issues are outlined, including optimizing teaching methods, adapting curricula, fostering long-term retention of knowledge, and integrating mathematics with engineering disciplines. Using electrical engineering as an example, the study highlights the intersections between knowledge acquired in mathematical and specialized courses. Based on the analysis, practical recommendations are proposed for educators and institutions to facilitate the integration of mathematical and engineering disciplines. Improving students' mathematical training requires a comprehensive strategy encompassing all aspects of the educational process-from program content to teaching methodologies. Central to this strategy is establishing productive collaboration among key stakeholders: the mathematics department, specialized departments, and employers. Many university professors notice that second-, third-, and fourth-year students, as well as master students, do not fully understand the connection between mathematical disciplines and specialized subjects. They do not have a deep enough understanding of the material being studied, which hinders the successful application of knowledge in solving practical problems and reduces interest in the subject. Despite efforts to reform teaching and introduce new programs, the problem remains relevant, and many students do not learn the material. Although graduates become qualified specialists, they often have gaps in basic knowledge. The study is aimed at analyzing the problems of modern mathematical education in universities, developing recommendations for solving them, and substantiating the importance of good mathematical training for engineering problems, such as electrical engineering or other fields of knowledge. In the process of the presented research, the main provisions of system analysis, generalization of scientific literature on the problem under study by such authors as I.P. Kostenko, K.D. Ushinsky, A.V. Petrova, I.N. Sidorov, M. Montessori and other authors were used. These research results may be useful for faculty members of higher education institutions in terms of preparation, planning and implementation of mathematical and engineering disciplines. A study in the field of higher education in mathematics has identified a number of problems, including a gap between theory and practice, insufficient fundamental preparation of students, ineffective teaching methods, and a low level of motivation to study mathematics. The following measures have been proposed to address these issues: integrating mathematics with specialized disciplines, optimizing curricula, improving teaching methods, and emphasizing content-based thinking. Improving the quality of mathematics education requires a comprehensive approach that includes interaction between teachers, specialized departments, and employers in order to train specialists who not only have mastered mathematical methods, but also understand their practical application.

higher education, mathematical education, quality of mathematical education, mathematical thinking