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.
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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 |
Report and Communique
Opening keynote by Chief Scientist
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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. |
Summary
Deb King, Project Leader of FYiMaths, outlines the aims for the forum.
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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.
The editorial team were: Dr Deborah King, A/Professor Leon Poladian, Professor Cristina Varsavsky and Ms Joann Cattlin. |
Presentations
Jackie Nicholas
University of Sydney HSC mathematics preparation: entry, pathways and performance in first year STEM subjects |
A/Prof. Katherine Seaton
La Trobe University Curriculum re-design to provide opportunities for a diversity of students |
Dr. Danica Solina
UTS: Insearch Physics and low mathematics: Approaches for first year engineering and science students |
Dr. Irene Penesis
University of Tasmania Engineering Mathematics for VET Articulants Transitioning to University Study |
Jo-ann Larkins
Federation University A collaborative multi-disciplinary approach to strengthening students’ essential maths skills for science |
A/Prof. Carmel Coady and Dr. Ragbir Bhathal
University of Western Sydney Maths for engineers |
Dr. Gwen Lawrie
University of Queensland Who put the maths in chemistry? |
Dr. Glennys O’Brien
University of Wollongong Can I calculate in chemistry? |
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? |
Michael Jennings
University of Queensland Not Just Another Diagnostic Test |
Janelle Wilkes
University of New England Application of GetSet for Success at UNE |
Recordings of sessions
Thursday - welcome
We are pleased to announce that the theme of this year's FYiM workshop to be held in Brisbane is
Celebrating 10 years of First Year in Maths!
Our first forum was in 2013 at The University of Melbourne. Let's look back on 10 years of talking about teaching maths and statistics at the first-year level. What is still relevant? What has changed? What new challenges lie ahead?
Here is the programme.
Details of the workshop are:
When: Thursday 6 July and Friday 7 July - 10 am to 5 pm
Where: The University of Queensland, St Lucia campus and via Zoom
Cost: FREE! Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be provided thanks to UQ's School of Maths and Physics. You are welcome to join us for dinner (at own cost) on Thursday night at a local/CBD restaurant.
We look forward to seeing you in sunny Brisbane!
Deb, Don and Michael
FYiMaths National Steering Committee
Thursday - welcome
We are pleased to announce that the theme of this year's FYiM workshop to be held in Brisbane is
Celebrating 10 years of First Year in Maths!
Our first forum was in 2013 at The University of Melbourne. Let's look back on 10 years of talking about teaching maths and statistics at the first-year level. What is still relevant? What has changed? What new challenges lie ahead?
Here is the programme.
Details of the workshop are:
When: Thursday 6 July and Friday 7 July - 10 am to 5 pm
Where: The University of Queensland, St Lucia campus and via Zoom
Cost: FREE! Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be provided thanks to UQ's School of Maths and Physics. You are welcome to join us for dinner (at own cost) on Thursday night at a local/CBD restaurant.
We look forward to seeing you in sunny Brisbane!
Deb, Don and Michael
FYiMaths National Steering Committee
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