First Year Mathematics at a Regional University: Does it cater to student diversity?

Robert Whannell; Bill Allen

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First Year Mathematics at a Regional University: Does it cater to student diversity?

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First Year Mathematics at a Regional University: Does it cater to student diversity?

Robert Whannell and Bill Allen

FYHE 2012 Conference Proceedings

Pacific Rim First Year in Higher Education Conference: New Horizons, 15th (Brisbane, Australia, 26-Jun-2012–29-Jun-2012)

Queensland University of Technology

2012

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Abstract

Curriculum and Pedagogy

tertiary education

higher education

mathematics

This study examines the academic performance of students in a first year undergraduate mathematics course at a regional university. A custom designed questionnaire which assessed study behaviours, staff support and peer and family relationships and the levels of mathematics efficacy and anxiety was completed by 162 students. The study established a wide range of mathematical efficacy based upon the number and type of mathematics courses completed at the secondary level of education and identifies this as the primary factor in student failure in the course. The need for institutions to acknowledge the diversity of student preparedness in mathematics at the first year undergraduate level and respond through the use of academic staff with appropriate educational training and a caring and supportive teaching pedagogy is described. The capacity of a single one-size-fits-all mathematics course in the first semester of undergraduate study to meet the needs of all students is discussed.

Details

Title: First Year Mathematics at a Regional University: Does it cater to student diversity?
Authors: Robert Whannell (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Bill Allen (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Contributors: Rachel Mortimer (Editor)
Publication details: FYHE 2012 Conference Proceedings
Conference details: Pacific Rim First Year in Higher Education Conference: New Horizons, 15th (Brisbane, Australia, 26-Jun-2012–29-Jun-2012)
Publisher: Queensland University of Technology
Date published: 2012
ISBN: 9781921897399
Organisation Unit: School of Education - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450219102621
Output Type: Conference paper

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