![AKO 2018 learners](/assets/AKO-2018-learners__FillWzY2MCw0NTBd.png)
PROJECT
Building academic numeracy
Supporting learners,
Educational outcomes,
Teaching strategies,
STEM
Status
Completed: 8 October 2018
Project Details
An 18-month University of Otago project to evaluate a numeracy programme aimed at students entering university with low mathematics competency.
Aims:
The primary aims of the project are to:
- investigate the numeracy competency of undergraduate students, close to the start of their degree
- evaluate a pilot intervention programme designed to develop students’ mathematical knowledge, skills and confidence.
Methodology:
The project methodology includes:
- an online numeracy assessment for students starting a degree programme with a compulsory quantitative component
- an academic numeracy development programme for students with a low numeracy score
- use of a growth mind-set model to address affective barriers to learning and improve students’ confidence in learning and using mathematics
- an evaluation of the pilot to provide efficacy of the intervention
- tracking student outcomes including engagement, academic performance and progression
- collecting qualitative data from students, advisers and educators to improve confidence in the quantitative measures of academic performance.
Team
![university of otago](/assets/Organisation-logos/university-of-otago__FillWzI1MCwyNTBd.png)
Brigid Casey
Project Leader
Otago University Higher Education Development Centre (HEDC)![university of otago](/assets/Organisation-logos/university-of-otago__FillWzI1MCwyNTBd.png)
Dr Chris Linsell
Otago University College of Education![university of otago](/assets/Organisation-logos/university-of-otago__FillWzI1MCwyNTBd.png)
Associate Professor Clinton Golding
Otago University Higher Education Development Centre (HEDC).![university of otago](/assets/Organisation-logos/university-of-otago__FillWzI1MCwyNTBd.png)
Andrea Knowles
University of Otago![university of otago](/assets/Organisation-logos/university-of-otago__FillWzI1MCwyNTBd.png)
Stewart Hibbert
Otago University Higher Education Development Centre (HEDC)![university of otago](/assets/Organisation-logos/university-of-otago__FillWzI1MCwyNTBd.png)
Dr Jon Shemmell
Otago University Brain Health Research CentreStatus
Funding
$30,307.00 (excl GST)
$10,000.00
Regional Hub Project Fund
$20,307.00
University of Otago
Key Findings
- The numeracy assessment tool was effective in identifying ‘at risk’ students and providing individual and cohort information useful for advising and planning the intervention
- Students who participated in the intensive numeracy development programme developed conceptual mathematics knowledge and skills, contributing to their academic achievement
- These students developed a positive attitude towards learning and using mathematics in their studies and outside university
Key Recommendations
Key recommendation for educators and learning advisers
Explicit communication to intending and current students, including:
- The importance of mathematics
- The content and level of prior knowledge expected, and the mathematics students can expect in their programme
- Pre-enrolment advice which include mathematics expectations to ensure students are adequately prepared and enrol in appropriate courses.
Key recommendations for tertiary education organisations
- Provision of numeracy support will assist in the retention and progression of students in programmes with compulsory quantitative components.
- Expert advice of a specialist mathematics educator can assist educators to develop strategies to embed numeracy in the curriculum and further support student learning.
A report prepared by Brigid Casey and Andrea Knowles.
(PDF, 1.3 MB, 48-pages).
- 17 October 2018