​National Forum on assumed knowledge in maths: Its broad impact on tertiary STEM programs

On the 13th and 14th February 2014, 145 academics from institutions across the country, education specialists and policy makers met at the University of Sydney to consider the impact of assumed knowledge requirements for maths, on tertiary STEM programs.  The forum was jointly organised by the FYiMaths project and the Institute of Innovation in Science and Mathematics Education (IISME). The Australian Council of Deans of Science (ACDS), the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI) and the Australian Mathematics Society (AustMS) supported the forum by providing generous sponsorship and valuable guidance.

There is increasing awareness that many students entering STEM degree programs do not possess the assumed knowledge in mathematics required for success.  This is not only evident to academics teaching mathematics in first year, but across other disciplines in the sciences and engineering, where students struggle to apply mathematical skills in the context of their discipline.  Universities are developing a range of responses to the deficit in mathematical skills and knowledge, but the challenges of designing and delivering the STEM curriculum to underprepared students remain.

When: 13–14 February 2014
Where: The University of Sydney

Program

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Report and Communique

Opening keynote by Chief Scientist

The report provides an outline of the presentations and discussion held at the forum, and contains recommendations developed in response to comments and feedback from the participants.

The national forum communique was sent to the Minister for Education and Universities Australia on 25th August, 2014, and released with a media release on the 27th August.

We also published a short piece in the HERSDA News.

Report

Communique

Media Release

HERDSA News (p. 23)

Summary

Deb King, Project Leader of FYiMaths, outlines the aims for the forum.

The forum was opened by Professor Ian Chubb, who called the falling level of mathematics education an issue of ‘national importance’ and urged action. The forum heard presentations from academics on the range of subjects, academic support programs and teaching practices developed by institutions in response. The forum coincided with the release of the Mathematics Association of NSW report on their 2013 teacher survey and the University of Sydney’s appointment of Adam Spencer as an ambassador for maths and science.   The forum was reported in the Sydney Morning Herald on 14th February.

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IJISME Special Edition

The FYiMaths project coordinated a special issue of the International Journal for Innovation in Science and Mathematics Education (IJISME) published in February 2015, Volume 23 (1). This issue contains extended articles based on presentations at the forum.
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The editorial team were: Dr Deborah King, A/Professor Leon Poladian, Professor Cristina Varsavsky and Ms Joann Cattlin.

Special issue of IJISME

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Presentations

Jackie Nicholas
University of Sydney
HSC mathematics preparation: entry, pathways and performance in first year STEM subjects

Presentation

A/Prof. Katherine Seaton 
La Trobe University
Curriculum re-design to provide opportunities for a diversity of students

Presentation

Dr. Danica Solina 
UTS: Insearch
Physics and low mathematics: Approaches for first year engineering and science students

Presentation

Dr. Irene Penesis
University of Tasmania
Engineering Mathematics for VET Articulants Transitioning to University Study

Presentation

Jo-ann Larkins
Federation University
A collaborative multi-disciplinary approach to strengthening students’ essential maths skills for science

Presentation

A/Prof. Carmel Coady and Dr. Ragbir Bhathal
University of Western Sydney
Maths for engineers

Presentation

Dr. Gwen Lawrie 
University of Queensland
Who put the maths in chemistry?

Presentation

Dr. Glennys O’Brien
University of Wollongong
Can I calculate in chemistry?

Presentation

A/Prof. Kim Beswick
President, Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers
What can we do as tertiary educators to influence student choices at high school, concerning maths subjects?

Presentation

Michael Jennings 
University of Queensland
Not Just Another Diagnostic Test

Presentation

Janelle Wilkes
University of New England
Application of GetSet for Success at UNE

Presentation