First year mathematics at a regional university: Does it cater to student diversity?

Robert Whannell; Bill Allen

doi:10.5204/intjfyhe.v3i2.125

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First year mathematics at a regional university: Does it cater to student diversity?

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

First year mathematics at a regional university: Does it cater to student diversity?

Robert Whannell and Bill Allen

International Journal of the First Year in Higher Education, Vol.3(2), pp.45-58

2012

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5204/intjfyhe.v3i2.125

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Abstract

Education Systems

mathematics

tertiary education

curriculum

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
Publication details: International Journal of the First Year in Higher Education, Vol.3(2), pp.45-58
Publisher: Queensland University of Technology
Date published: 2012
DOI: 10.5204/intjfyhe.v3i2.125
ISSN: 1838-2959
Copyright note: Copyright © 2012 The Authors. Copyright of articles is retained by author/s. As an open access journal, articles are free to use, with proper attribution, in educational and other non-commercial settings. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License
Organisation Unit: School of Education - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450170402621
Output Type: Journal article

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