Developing study skills in a first year mathematics course

Article


Taylor, Janet A. and Mander, David. 2003. "Developing study skills in a first year mathematics course." New Zealand Journal of Mathematics. 32 (Supplementary issue), pp. 217-225.
Article Title

Developing study skills in a first year mathematics course

ERA Journal ID336
Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsTaylor, Janet A. (Author) and Mander, David (Author)
Journal TitleNew Zealand Journal of Mathematics
Journal Citation32 (Supplementary issue), pp. 217-225
Number of Pages8
Year2003
Place of PublicationAuckland, NZ
ISSN1171-6096
Web Address (URL)http://www.math.auckland.ac.nz/NZJM/
Abstract

Students who enrol in first year courses are novices to learning at university with the result that many of them have an uncertain start. One of the main contributing factors to this uncertain start is the student’s unrealistic expectation of the amount of work and time involved in university study. This combined with the fact that increasing numbers of full time students participate in paid work means that development of time management and other study skills are more important than ever before. Literature on development of study skills in students indicates that the most effective programs are those in which study skills are integrated into the curriculum. This paper investigates what study skills are necessary for success in a first year service mathematics course and proposes a model of integration based on a management structure in which students participate in a cycle of planning, organising, leading and controlling. Implementation of the model is described in a first year mathematics course that services science, information technology, engineering and surveying students in both on campus and distance modes. Examples from and preliminary evaluations of study materials, assessment practice and development of group problem solving skills are presented.

Keywordsstudy skills, mathematics skills, problem solving
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020390303. Higher education
390109. Mathematics and numeracy curriculum and pedagogy
390409. Learning sciences
Byline AffiliationsLearning and Teaching Support Unit
Department of Maths and Computing
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