Building Mathematics Proficiency for Career Advancement: A Case Study of Adult Learners in a Pathway Program

Paper

Singh, Niharika and Salmeron, Raquel. 2025. "Building Mathematics Proficiency for Career Advancement: A Case Study of Adult Learners in a Pathway Program." 31st International Conference of Adults Learning Mathematics: A Research Forum (ALM). 01 - 02 Jul 2024 Adults Learning Mathematics (ALM).
Paper/Presentation Title

Building Mathematics Proficiency for Career Advancement: A Case Study of Adult Learners in a Pathway Program

Presentation TypePaper
AuthorsSingh, Niharika and Salmeron, Raquel
Journal or Proceedings TitleProceedings of the 31st International Conference of Adults Learning Mathematics: A Research Forum (ALM)
Journal Citationpp. 62-65
Number of Pages4
Year2025
PublisherAdults Learning Mathematics (ALM)
Web Address (URL) of Paperhttps://alm-online.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ALM31_Extended-Abstracts.pdf#page=48
Web Address (URL) of Conference Proceedingshttps://alm-online.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ALM31-_Proceedings_final-without-doi.pdf
Conference/Event31st International Conference of Adults Learning Mathematics: A Research Forum (ALM)
Event Details
31st International Conference of Adults Learning Mathematics: A Research Forum (ALM)
ALM31
Delivery
Online
Event Date
01 to end of 02 Jul 2024
Abstract

This study aimed to understand the mathematical competency, confidence, attitudes, and dispositions of adult learners in a tertiary pathway program. Recognizing the challenges faced by adult learners in transitioning to higher education, especially in mathematics, we implemented a comprehensive three-part assessment. The assessment gathered data on students' educational background, mathematical competency, confidence levels, and self-reflection on their learning experiences. By understanding these factors, we sought to inform the development of targeted support initiatives to enhance student success and overall learning experience.

Keywords adult learners; pathway programs; higher education; mathematics learning; assessment; dispositions
Contains Sensitive ContentDoes not contain sensitive content
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020390109. Mathematics and numeracy curriculum and pedagogy
Byline AffiliationsUniversity of Southern Queensland
Permalink -

https://research.usq.edu.au/item/zy6wy/building-mathematics-proficiency-for-career-advancement-a-case-study-of-adult-learners-in-a-pathway-program

Log in to edit

Download files

Published Version
conf paper.pdf
License: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
File access level: Anyone

  • 65
    total views
  • 17
    total downloads
  • 1
    views this month
  • 1
    downloads this month

Export as

Related outputs

Reforming First-Year Engineering Mathematics Courses: A Study of Flipped-Classroom Pedagogy and Student Learning Outcomes
Raj, Nawin, Sharma, Ekta, Singh, Niharika, Downs, Nathan, Salmeron, Raquel and Galligan, Linda. 2025. "Reforming First-Year Engineering Mathematics Courses: A Study of Flipped-Classroom Pedagogy and Student Learning Outcomes." Education Sciences. 15 (9). https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15091124
Predicting Sea-Level Extremes and Wetland Change in the Maroochy River Floodplain Using Remote Sensing and Deep Learning Approach
Raj, Nawin, Singh, Niharika, Downs, Nathan and Singh-Peterson, Lila. 2025. "Predicting Sea-Level Extremes and Wetland Change in the Maroochy River Floodplain Using Remote Sensing and Deep Learning Approach." Remote Sensing. 17 (17). https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17172988
Multi-step ahead significant wave height forecasting using global and local view graph representation based on GRU model
Diykh, Mohammed, Ali, Mumtaz, Jamei, Mehdi, Prasad, Ramendra, Labban, Abdulhaleem H., Abdulla, Shahab, Singh, Niharika and Farooque, Aitazaz Ahsan. 2025. "Multi-step ahead significant wave height forecasting using global and local view graph representation based on GRU model." Ocean Engineering. 340 (Part 2). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oceaneng.2025.122314
Mathematics pathways and learning support in Australian universities
Galligan, Linda, Brickhill, Michael, Ly, Ken, Peate, Joshua, Rylands, Leanne, Salmeron, Raquel and Kennedy, Sophie. 2025. "Mathematics pathways and learning support in Australian universities." First Year in Maths 2025 (FYiMaths 2025). Sydney, Australia 10 - 11 Jul 2025
Exploring Student Attitudes and Institutional Challenges in Advancing Adult Numeracy: Insights from Focus Groups
Howarth, Debi, Salmeron, Raquel and Galligan, Linda. 2025. "Exploring Student Attitudes and Institutional Challenges in Advancing Adult Numeracy: Insights from Focus Groups." 31st International Conference of Adults Learning Mathematics: A Research Forum (ALM). 01 - 02 Jul 2024 Adults Learning Mathematics (ALM).
Interactive technologies and student engagement in online higher education: a multidimensional analysis
Getenet, Seyum, Tualaulelei, Eseta, Singh, Niharika, Pillay, Yosheen and Hammermeister, Kerrie-Anne. 2025. "Interactive technologies and student engagement in online higher education: a multidimensional analysis." Technology, Pedagogy and Education. https://doi.org/10.1080/1475939X.2025.2498483
Academic Numeracies Framework in the GenAI Era
Howarth, Debi, Salmeron, Raquel and Galligan, Linda. 2024. "Academic Numeracies Framework in the GenAI Era." 2024 Learning and Teaching Symposium . Online 18 - 18 Oct 2024 Australia.
True encounters with the fictional university: collectively rewriting the script of filmic dark academia from the academic margins
Hopkins, Susan, Balloo, Kieran, Ramos, Fabiane, Salmeron, Raquel, Singh, Niharika and Wilson, Victoria E.. 2024. "True encounters with the fictional university: collectively rewriting the script of filmic dark academia from the academic margins ." Culture and Organization. https://doi.org/10.1080/14759551.2024.2394461
Academic Numeracies Framework – A tool to facilitate the systematic embedding of numeracies in university
Salmeron, Raquel, Galligan, Linda, Howarth, Debi and Raj, Nawin. 2024. "Academic Numeracies Framework – A tool to facilitate the systematic embedding of numeracies in university." 15th International Congress on Mathematical Education (ICME-15). Sydney, Australia 07 - 14 Jul 2024 Australia.
Academic Numeracies Framework
Salmeron, Raquel, Galligan, Linda and Howarth, Debi. 2024. Academic Numeracies Framework.
Examining students’ behavioural engagement in lecture videos with and without embedded quizzes in an online course
Singh, Niharika, Getenet, Seyum and Tualaulelei, Eseta. 2023. "Examining students’ behavioural engagement in lecture videos with and without embedded quizzes in an online course." 40th Annual Conference of the Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education (ASCILITE 2023). Christchurch, New Zealand 03 - 06 Dec 2023 New Zealand. https://doi.org/10.14742/apubs.2023.571
The Academic Numeracy Framework: A tool to embed numeracy in tertiary courses, programs and study-support initiatives
Salmeron, Raquel, Galligan, Linda, Howarth, Debi and Raj, Nawin. 2023. "The Academic Numeracy Framework: A tool to embed numeracy in tertiary courses, programs and study-support initiatives." 8th Students Transitions Achievement Retention & Success Conference (STARS 2023). Brisbane, Australia 03 - 05 Jul 2023 Australia.
The winds of young Solar-type stars in the Pleiades, AB Doradus, Columba, and β Pictoris
Evensberget, D, Marsden, S C, Carter, B D, Salmeron, R, Vidotto, A A, Folsom, C P, Kavanagh, R D, Pineda, J S, Driessen, F A and Strickert, K M. 2023. "The winds of young Solar-type stars in the Pleiades, AB Doradus, Columba, and β Pictoris ." Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. 524 (2), pp. 2042-2063. https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stad1650
Dynamics of Benjamin-Ono Solitons in a Two-Layer Ocean with a Shear Flow
Negi, Pawan, Sahoo, Trilochan, Singh, Niharika and Stepanyants, Yury. 2023. "Dynamics of Benjamin-Ono Solitons in a Two-Layer Ocean with a Shear Flow." Mathematics. 11 (15). https://doi.org/10.3390/math11153399
Exploring the identities of pathways educators through the lens of Third Space Theory
Balloo, Kieran, Ramos, Fabiane, Crank, Russell, Crane, Daniel, Hopkins, Susan, McGovern, Mary, Parkes, Frey, Penno, Julie, Singh, Niharika, Todd, Nicholas, Wilson, Victoria, Windsor, Angela and Worsley, Sue. 2024. "Exploring the identities of pathways educators through the lens of Third Space Theory." Pedagogy Culture and Society. 32 (5), pp. 1549-1571. https://doi.org/10.1080/14681366.2023.2230986
Mapping the values and identities of academics who teach into widening participation university preparation programs
Balloo, Kieran, Crane, Daniel, Crank, Russell, Hopkins, Susan, McGovern, Mary, Parkes, Geoffrey, Penno, Julie, Ramos, Fabiane, Singh, Niharika, Todd, Nicholas, Wilson, Victoria, Windsor, Angela and Worsley, Sue. 2022. "Mapping the values and identities of academics who teach into widening participation university preparation programs." Society for Research into Higher Education International Research (SRHE) Conference 2022. 05 - 09 Dec 2022 United Kingdom.
Students’ behavioural engagement with recorded lecture videos: Panopto video analytics
Getenet, Seyum, Singh, Niharika, Tualaulelei, Eseta, Pillay, Yosheen and Worsley, Sue. 2022. "Students’ behavioural engagement with recorded lecture videos: Panopto video analytics." EdMedia + Innovate Learning Conference 2022. United States 01 - 03 Nov 2022 United States.
The winds of young Solar-type stars in Coma Berenices and Hercules-Lyra
Evensberget, D., Carter, B. D., Marsden, S. C., Brookshaw, L., Folsom, C. P. and Salmeron, R.. 2022. "The winds of young Solar-type stars in Coma Berenices and Hercules-Lyra." Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. 510 (4), pp. 5226-5245. https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stab3557
Creating space to quell the ‘I can’t do maths’ factor through piloting an applied numeracy framework within course content and advising
Howarth, Debi, Salmeron, Raquel and Frederiks, Anita. 2021. "Creating space to quell the ‘I can’t do maths’ factor through piloting an applied numeracy framework within course content and advising." 15th Biennial Association for Academic Language and Learning Conference (AALL 2021). Darwin, Australia 17 - 19 Nov 2021 Australia.
Enhanced MHD Transport in Astrophysical Accretion Flows: Turbulence, Winds and Jets
Dobbie, Peter B., Kuncic, Zdenka, Bicknell, Geoffrey V. and Salmeron, Raquel. 2009. "Enhanced MHD Transport in Astrophysical Accretion Flows: Turbulence, Winds and Jets." Plasma and Fusion Research. 4, pp. 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1585/pfr.4.017
The effects of large-scale magnetic fields on disk formation and evolution
Konigl, Arieh and Salmeron, Raquel. 2011. "The effects of large-scale magnetic fields on disk formation and evolution." Garcia, Paulo J. V. (ed.) Physical Processes in Circumstellar Disks around Young Stars. Chicago, United States. University of Chicago Press. pp. 283-354
Formation of chondrules in magnetic winds blowing through the proto-asteroid belt
Salmeron, Raquel and Ireland, Trevor R.. 2012. "Formation of chondrules in magnetic winds blowing through the proto-asteroid belt." Earth and Planetary Science Letters. 327-328, pp. 61-67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2012.01.033
Magnetorotational Instability in weakly ionised, stratified accretion discs
Salmeron, Raquel and Wardle, Mark. 2004. "Magnetorotational Instability in weakly ionised, stratified accretion discs." Astrophysics and Space Science: an international journal of astronomy, astrophysics and space science. 292 (1-4), pp. 451-456. https://doi.org/10.1023/B:ASTR.0000045049.76937.48
Formation of stars and planets: the role of magnetic fields
Salmeron, R.. 2011. "Formation of stars and planets: the role of magnetic fields." Astrophysics and Space Science: an international journal of astronomy, astrophysics and space science. 335 (2), pp. 353-371. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10509-011-0783-x
The environment and physics of the early solar system
Salmeron, R.. 2012. "The environment and physics of the early solar system." Australian Journal of Earth Sciences. 59 (2), pp. 237-252. https://doi.org/10.1080/08120099.2012.652669
How to do science: A guide to researching human physiology
Lexis, Louise, Julien, Brianna, Bliss, Edward, Derrington, Kate, Dooley, Leanne, Kauter, Kate, McGregor, Rowena, Myer, Sarah, Salmeron, Raquel, Suraweera, Samanthi, Whiteside, Eliza and Windus, Louisa. 2022. How to do science: A guide to researching human physiology. Australia. University of Southern Queensland.
Isotopic and chemical fractionations caused by disk winds in the protoplanetary disk
Ireland, T. R., Salmeron, R. and Wardle, M.. 2016. "Isotopic and chemical fractionations caused by disk winds in the protoplanetary disk." 79th Annual Meeting of the Meteoritical Society. Berlin, Germany 07 - 12 Aug 2016 United States. John Wiley & Sons.
Centrifugally driven winds from protostellar accretion discs – I. Formulation and initial results
Nolan, C. A., Salmeron, R., Federrath, C., Bicknell, G. V. and Sutherland, R. S.. 2017. "Centrifugally driven winds from protostellar accretion discs – I. Formulation and initial results." Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. 471 (2), pp. 1488-1505. https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stx1642
Turbulent mixing layers in supersonic protostellar outflows, with application to DG Tauri
White, M. C., Bicknell, G. V., Sutherland, R. S., Salmeron, R. and McGregor, P. J.. 2016. "Turbulent mixing layers in supersonic protostellar outflows, with application to DG Tauri." Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. 455 (2), pp. 2042-2057. https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stv2317
The role of protostellar jets in star formation and the evolution of the early solar system: Astrophysical and meteoritical perspectives
Salmeron, Raquel and Ireland, Trevor. 2012. "The role of protostellar jets in star formation and the evolution of the early solar system: Astrophysical and meteoritical perspectives." Meteoritics and Planetary Science. 47 (12), pp. 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.12029
Maths Foundations
Salmeron, Raquel and Frederiks, Anita. 2021. "Maths Foundations." Hargreaves, Wendy, Bartlett, Cristy and Derrington, Kate (ed.) Academic Success. Australia. University of Southern Queensland.
Solar System Physics for Exoplanet Research
Horner, J., Kane, S. R., Marshall, J. P., Dalba, P. A., Holt, T. R., Wood, J., Maynard-Casely, H. E., Wittenmyer, R., Lykawka, P. S., Hill, M., Salmeron, R., Bailey, J., Lohne, T., Agnew, M., Carter, B. D. and Tylor, C. C. E.. 2020. "Solar System Physics for Exoplanet Research." Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific. 132 (1016), pp. 1-115. https://doi.org/10.1088/1538-3873/ab8eb9
Internal solitary waves in two-layer fluids at near-critical situation
Kurkina, O., Singh, N. and Stepanyants, Y.. 2014. "Internal solitary waves in two-layer fluids at near-critical situation." 19th Australasian Fluid Mechanics Conference (AFMC 2014). Melbourne, Australia 08 - 11 Dec 2014 Australia.
Obliquely propagating skew KP lumps
Singh, N. and Stepanyants, Y.. 2016. "Obliquely propagating skew KP lumps." Wave Motion. 64, pp. 92-102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wavemoti.2016.03.005
Modulational instability of wave trains in a rotating ocean
Nikitenkova, S. P., Singh, N. N. and Stepanyants, Y. A.. 2016. "Modulational instability of wave trains in a rotating ocean." 20th Australasian Fluid Mechanics Conference (AFMC 2016). Perth, Australia 05 - 08 Dec 2016 Australia.
Structure and dynamics of solitary waves in fluid media
Singh, Niharika. 2016. Structure and dynamics of solitary waves in fluid media. PhD Thesis Doctor of Philosophy. University of Southern Queensland.
Modulational stability of weakly nonlinear wave-trains in media with small- and large-scale dispersions
Nikitenkova, S., Singh, N. and Stepanyants, Y.. 2015. "Modulational stability of weakly nonlinear wave-trains in media with small- and large-scale dispersions." Chaos: an interdisciplinary journal of nonlinear science. 25 (12), pp. 123113-1. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4937362
Structure of internal solitary waves in two-layer fluid at near-critical situation
Kurkina, O., Singh, N. and Stepanyants, Y.. 2015. "Structure of internal solitary waves in two-layer fluid at near-critical situation." Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation. 22 (1-3), pp. 1235-1242. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cnsns.2014.09.018
Tables of phase functions, opacities, albedos, equilibrium temperatures, and radiative accelerations of dust grains in exoplanets
Budaj, J., Kocifaj, M., Salmeron, R. and Hubeny, I.. 2015. "Tables of phase functions, opacities, albedos, equilibrium temperatures, and radiative accelerations of dust grains in exoplanets." Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. 454 (1), pp. 2-27. https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stv1711
Magnetocentrifugal jets and chondrule formation in protostellar disks
Salmeron, Raquel and Ireland, Trevor. 2014. "Magnetocentrifugal jets and chondrule formation in protostellar disks." Booth, Mark, Matthews, Brenda C. and Graham, James R. (ed.) 2013 IAU Symposium: Exploring the Formation and Evolution of Planetary Systems. Victoria, Canada 02 - 07 Jun 2013 United States. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1743921313008442
Multi-epoch sub-arcsecond [Fe II] spectroimaging of the DG Tau outflows with NIFS – I. First data epoch
White, M. C., McGregor, P. J, Bicknell, G. V., Salmeron, R. and Beck, T. L.. 2014. "Multi-epoch sub-arcsecond [Fe II] spectroimaging of the DG Tau outflows with NIFS – I. First data epoch." Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. 441 (2), pp. 1681-1707. https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stu654
Multi-epoch subarcsecond [Fe II] spectroimaging of the DG Tau outflows with NIFS – II. On the nature of the bipolar outflow asymmetry
White, M. C., Bicknell, G. V., McGregor, P. J. and Salmeron, R. 2014. "Multi-epoch subarcsecond [Fe II] spectroimaging of the DG Tau outflows with NIFS – II. On the nature of the bipolar outflow asymmetry." Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. 442 (1), pp. 28-42. https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stu788
Hall diffusion and the magnetorotational instability in protoplanetary discs
Wardle, Mark and Salmeron, Raquel. 2012. "Hall diffusion and the magnetorotational instability in protoplanetary discs." Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. 422 (4), pp. 2737-2755. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2966.2011.20022.x
Wind-driving protostellar accretion discs – II. Numerical method and illustrative solutions
Salmeron, Raquel, Konigl, Arieh and Wardle, Mark. 2011. "Wind-driving protostellar accretion discs – II. Numerical method and illustrative solutions." Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. 412 (2), pp. 1162-1180. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2966.2010.17974.x
MRI and Outflows: Angular Momentum Transport in Protoplanetary Disks
Salmeron, Raquel. 2009. "MRI and Outflows: Angular Momentum Transport in Protoplanetary Disks ." Astrophysics and Space Science. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-00576-3_92
Wind-driving protostellar accretion discs – I. Formulation and parameter constraints
Konigl, Arieh, Salmeron, Raquel and Wardle, Mark. 2009. "Wind-driving protostellar accretion discs – I. Formulation and parameter constraints." Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. 401 (1), pp. 479-499. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2966.2009.15664.x
Magnetorotational instability in protoplanetary discs: the effect of dust grains
Salmeron, Raquel and Wardle, Mark. 2008. "Magnetorotational instability in protoplanetary discs: the effect of dust grains." Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. 388 (3), pp. 1223-1238. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2966.2008.13430.x
Radial and vertical angular momentum transport in protostellar discs
Salmeron, Raquel, Konigl, Arieh and Wardle, Mark. 2007. "Radial and vertical angular momentum transport in protostellar discs." Astrophysics and Space Science: an international journal of astronomy, astrophysics and space science. 311 (1-3), pp. 81-85. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10509-007-9563-z
Angular momentum transport in protostellar discs
Salmeron, Raquel, Konigl, Arieh and Wardle, Mark. 2007. "Angular momentum transport in protostellar discs." Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. 375 (1), pp. 177-183. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2966.2006.11277.x
Magnetorotational instability in protoplanetary discs
Salmeron, Raquel and Wardle, Mark. 2005. "Magnetorotational instability in protoplanetary discs." Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. 361 (1), pp. 45-69. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2966.2005.09060.x
Magnetorotational instability in stratified, weakly ionized accretion discs
Salmeron, Raquel and Wardle, Mark. 2003. "Magnetorotational instability in stratified, weakly ionized accretion discs." Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. 345 (3), pp. 992-1008. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-8711.2003.07024.x