Investigating Mathematics Learning Trajectories: A Comparative Analysis of Grades at Two Major Turning Points

Abstract

The number of students completing mathematics education at higher levels are in decreasing numbers, despite good grades at primary level. This research study sought to explore the mathematics learning trajectory by collecting Mathematics grades obtained by 1652 students at the end of primary and secondary schooling. Data analysis showed a moderate association between these grades. But those who performed well at the primary level did not necessarily study the subject at the same learning performance at higher levels. This research study unveiled that girls, in general, tend to maintain their learning performance better than boys at higher levels. It also revealed that some students experienced a positive turning point in their learning, and the overarching conclusions from students' interviews included perceived usefulness of Mathematics education, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation to boost the learning process and the need to overcome past hurdles. Finally, a model was developed to monitor learning progress achievement. Keywords: mathematics education, prior learning performance, learning trajectory, Mauritius THE MAURITIAN CONTEXTMathematical skills are unavoidable prerequisites for every person to succeed in life (National Numeracy, 2017). These skills inculcate the development of the logical thinking, allowing individuals to manage complex situations and take better decisions. 'Futurologists' predict that the ten best paying jobs of the future will be mathematics dependent. In Mauritius, students spend six years in primary schools, at the end of which they sit for the Certificate of Primary Education (CPE) exams. Depending on their CPE aggregate in four of the main subjects, including Mathematics, English, French and Science, they are offered a seat in a secondary school. Learning performance, in other words, grades at the end of their first major turning point (CPE) is crucial as it lays the foundation for secondary schooling. After five years of secondary education, students sit for the School Certificate (SC) examinations, the second major turning point in their learning journey. Here, grades are assigned on two possible scales, the letter grades ranging from A to E or the number grade ranging from 1 to 8. There is a general outcry from educators who constantly draw attention to the low level of mathematics skills which many students demonstrate when joining secondary schools. In a recent study, Appavoo et al. (2013) report that on average, 76 % of students are successful in mathematics at the Certificate of Primary Education (CPE) examinations. Among these students, on average, only 42% managed to get a grade A, B or C at the School Certificate examinations.The authors analyzed the reports of the Mauritius Examinations Syndicate (MES) and constructed a theoretical pattern that described how students who completed their CPE in 2005, eventually performed at SC in 2010. This pattern, as depicted in Figure 1, showed that the great majority of students regressed in their mathematics learning performa...