Ní Shé, Caitríona and Mac an Bhaird, Ciaran and Ní Fhloinn, Eabhnat and O'Shea, Ann (2017) Problematic topics in first-year mathematics: lecturer and student views. International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, 48 (5). pp. 715-734. ISSN 0020-739X

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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.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	Problematic topics; lecturer views; student views; mathematical concepts; mathematical procedures; higher education;
Academic Unit:	Faculty of Science and Engineering > Mathematics and Statistics
Item ID:	11627
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1080/0020739X.2016.1272142
Depositing User:	Dr. Ann O'Shea
Date Deposited:	06 Nov 2019 13:04
Journal or Publication Title:	International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	Publisher
Use Licence:	This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

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