Problematic topics in first-year mathematics: lecturer and student views

Abstract

In this paper we report on the outcomes of two surveys carried out in higher education institutions of Ireland; one of students attending first-year undergraduate non-specialist mathematics modules and another of their lecturers. The surveys aimed to identify the topics that these students found difficult, whether they had most difficulty with the concepts or procedures involved in the topics, and the resources they used to overcome these difficulties. In this paper we focus on the mathematical concepts and procedures that students found most difficult. While there was agreement between students and lecturers on certain problematic topics, this was not uniform across all topics, and students rated their conceptual understanding higher than their ability to do questions, in contrast to lecturers'opinions.

Students’ and lecturers’ views on mathematics resources

“…Questions were developed, and the questionnaires piloted and adjusted, before being distributed. The first part of both questionnaires investigated mathematical concepts and procedures which caused most difficulty for students (Ní Shé et al, 2016). The student questionnaire also contained six questions which asked the students what resources they used, why they found them useful, what gaps they found in the resources and asked for suggestions on new resources that should be developed (Appendix A).…”