Prior decisions and experiences about mathematics of students in bridging courses |
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Authors: | Sue Gordon Jackie Nicholas |
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Institution: | 1. Mathematics Learning Centre, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Sydney, Australiasue.gordon@sydney.edu.au;3. Mathematics Learning Centre, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Sydney, Australia |
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Abstract: | We report on the survey responses of 51 students attending mathematics bridging courses at a major Australian university, investigating what mathematics, if any, these students had studied in the senior years of schooling and what factors affected their decisions about the level of mathematics chosen. Quantitative findings are augmented by qualitative responses to open-ended questions in the survey as well as excerpts from follow-up emails. The findings show that the major reasons for students taking lower levels of mathematics in senior year(s), or dropping mathematics, include finding enough time for non-mathematics subjects, confidence in mathematical capability, advice and maximizing potential ranking for university admission. |
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Keywords: | mathematics education mathematics choices in senior secondary school mathematics bridging courses |
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