Mac an Bhaird, Ciaran and Grehan, Martin and O'Shea, Ann (2010) What type of student avails of mathematics support and extra mathematics initiatives? Proceedings of the 15th SEFI MWG Seminar and 8th Workshop GFC, Mathematical education of Engineers.

Preview

Download (129kB) | Preview

Abstract

Most mathematics support initiatives aim to help st ruggling or at-risk students. However, studies show that st udents who avail themselves of mathematics support vary both in term s of their ability and their reasons for seeking extra support. It is also well known that a considerable number of at-risk students do not avai l themselves of support services. To provide efficient and effecti ve supports it is important to have a description of the type of stud ents attending or not attending and the reasons why. We present an overv iew of the initial findings of two research projects on these topics. We will discuss preliminary findings from a study of repeat and non -repeat mathematics students which suggests several reasons (not necessarily related to ability) why students do not avail thems elves of mathematics support. We will also present evidence that at-ris k first year students are more likely to attend the Mathematics Support C entre than students who are not deemed to be at-risk. However , a significant minority of at-risk students do not avail themselve s of the supports offered.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	mathematics support; mathematics initiatives;
Academic Unit:	Faculty of Science and Engineering > Mathematics and Statistics
Item ID:	5410
Depositing User:	Ciaran Mac an Bhaird
Date Deposited:	24 Sep 2014 09:48
Journal or Publication Title:	Proceedings of the 15th SEFI MWG Seminar and 8th Workshop GFC, Mathematical education of Engineers
Publisher:	Gottlob-Frege-Inst., 2010
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	Publisher
Use Licence:	This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

Repository Staff Only(login required)

Item control page

Downloads

Origin of downloads