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University students - perspectives on diagnostic testing in mathematicsNi fhloinn, E., Bhaird, C. M., & Nolan, B. (2014). University students' perspectives on diagnostic testing in mathematics. International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, 45 (1), 58-74. DOI:10.1080/0020739X.2013.790508
Many universities issue mathematical diagnostic tests to incoming first-year students, covering a range of the basic concepts with which they should be comfortable from secondary school. As far as many lecturers are concerned, the purpose of this test is to determine the students' mathematical knowledge on entry. It should also provide an early indication of which students are likely to need additional help, and hopefully encourage such students to avail of extra support mechanisms at an early stage. However, it is not clear that students recognize these intentions and there is a fear that students who score poorly in the test will have their confidence further damaged in relation to mathematics and will be reluctant to seek help. To this end, a questionnaire was developed to explore studentsâ?? perspectives on diagnostic testing. Analysis of responses received to the questionnaire provided an interesting insight into studentsâ?? perspectives including the optimum time to conduct such a test, their views on the aims of diagnostic testing, whether they feel that testing is a good idea, and their attitudes to the support systems put in place to help those who scored poorly in the test.
Use of Mathcad to Assist in the Teaching of Second Year Engineering MathematicsMathcad is used in all years of the engineering mathematics course to enable students of civil engineering to investigate real engineering problems which have no analytical solution but which illustrate important mathematical concepts. In the second year engineering mathematics course Mathcad is used to assist in the teaching of numerical solutions of second order boundary value differential equations. Comparisons are made between classical analytical solutions and the numerical solutions.
Using Mathematics Diagnostic Testing on Engineering CoursesEven as long ago as the mid-1990s, a survey for the Open Learning Foundation [1] found that most universities were using some form of mathematics diagnostic testing on their first-year undergraduates, usually during Induction Week. With the advent of computer-aided mathematics diagnostic systems such as DIAGNOSYS [2], it has become easier to obtain an off-the-shelf diagnostic system. Even so, many people still use their own in-house tests. This study considers one such example.
Using Technology to Teach Mathematics to First Year EngineersThis case study reports on the approach at one institution to helping first year engineering students to acquire the
mathematical skills they need. The approach involves a range of support mechanisms, and the concerted use of technology
as well as paper and pencil methods. Changes in curriculum, pedagogy and indeed assessment style have all proven
necessary.
Using the Graphics Calculator to Support Mathematics for Engineering StudentsFor first and second year engineering students at Napier University, the TI-83 graphics calculator plays a major role in an integrated technological approach to mathematics. This case study reviews the process of integration and its current position in the teaching of students.
Using the inverse matrix to solve equationsThis leaflet explains how simultaneous linear equations can be solved by calculating the inverse of an appropriate matrix. (Engineering Maths First Aid Kit 5.6)
Vision for science and mathematics educationA report containing the Royal Society's Vision for science and mathematics education over the next 20 years. This includes a proposal for a broad and balanced curriculum, where young people study science and mathematics until 18 alongside arts, humanities and social sciences. The Royal Society Policy Centre report 01/14 issued June 2014 DES3090.
Volumes of solids of revolutionWe sometimes need to calculate the volume of a solid which can be obtained by
rotating a curve about the x-axis. There is a straightforward technique
which enables this to be done, using integration. This unit will explain how.
Volumes of solids of revolutionWe sometimes need to calculate the volume of a solid which can be obtained by
rotating a curve about the x-axis. There is a straightforward technique
which enables this to be done, using integration. (Mathtutor Video Tutorial)
This resource is released under a Creative Commons license Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works and the copyright is held by Skillbank Solutions Ltd.
Volumes of solids of revolutionWe sometimes need to calculate the volume of a solid which can be obtained by
rotating a curve about the x-axis. There is a straightforward technique
which enables this to be done, using integration. (Mathtutor Video Tutorial)
The video is released under a Creative Commons license Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works and the copyright is held by Skillbank Solutions Ltd.
What is a complex number ?This leaflet gives a simple, brief introduction to the concept of a complex number. (Engineering Maths First Aid Kit 7.1)
What is a function?This introductory leaflet explains what is meant by a function, gives functional notation, and some simple examples. (Engineering Maths First Aid Kit 3.1)
What is a function?A quantity whose value can change is known as a variable. Functions are used to describe the rules which define the ways in which such a change can occur. The purpose of this leaflet is to explain functions and their notation.
What is a logarithm ?Logarithms can be used to write expressions involving powers in alternative forms. This leaflet explains how.
Widening Participation in subjects requiring data handling skills: the MathsAid ProjectFOR COPYRIGHT REASONS DIRECT ACCESS TO THIS PAPER MAY BE UNAVAILABLE. MathsAid is a university-wide maths support service offering one-to-one tutorial support and more.
This paper by Atkins, May and Marks-Maran (Kingston University, UK) discusses the initiative and provides information about its evaluation by questionnaire, usage data and interviews with students.
The paper is published in the Journal of Further and Higher Education, Vol. 29. No. 4 (2005) pp 353-365. DOI:10.1080/03098770500353607
Widening Participation in subjects requiring data handling skills: the MathsAid Project.FOR COPYRIGHT REASONS DIRECT ACCESS TO THIS PAPER MAY BE UNAVAILABLE. MathsAid is a university-wide maths support service offering one-to-one tutorial support and more.
This paper by ATKINS, MAY and MARKS-MARAN (Kingston University, UK) discusses the initiative and provides information about its evaluation by questionnaire, usage data and interviews with students.
The paper is published in the Journal of Further and Higher Education, Vol. 29. No. 4 (2005) pp 353-365.
