期刊名称:International Journal of the First Year in Higher Education
电子版ISSN:1838-2959
出版年度:2012
卷号:3
期号:2
页码:45-58
DOI:10.5204/intjfyhe.v3i2.125
摘要: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.