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Appropriate settings and supports for third level diagnostic testing in mathematics

Ní Fhloinn, Eabhnat orcid logoORCID: 0000-0002-3840-2115, Mac an Bhaird, Ciarán orcid logoORCID: 0000-0003-2863-3398 and Nolan, Brien C. orcid logoORCID: 0000-0002-9356-6833 (2012) Appropriate settings and supports for third level diagnostic testing in mathematics. In: SMEC 2012: Science and Mathematics Education Conference, 7-9 June 2012, Dublin, Ireland.

Abstract
Mathematical diagnostic tests are issued to first year students by many third level institutions, including Dublin City University and the National University of Ireland Maynooth. The aim of such tests is to provide staff and students with an immediate picture of which mathematical concepts are well-known to the student. The tests are also a mechanism through which students who are struggling are made immediately aware of a wide range of follow-up initiatives, which are provided by the respective Mathematics Learning Support Centres. A common questionnaire was issued to students in both institutions to ascertain their attitudes towards diagnostic testing. In this paper, we present an overview of the role of the diagnostic test in both institutions, look at the mathematical backgrounds of the students tested, and present their views on the purpose of the test and the environment in which they took it. We also investigate their views on the subsequent feedback they received and the supports available to them. Finally, we look at the changes that both institutions have made as a result of this questionnaire.
Metadata
Item Type:Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Event Type:Conference
Refereed:Yes
Subjects:Social Sciences > Education
Mathematics
DCU Faculties and Centres:Research Initiatives and Centres > Center for the Advancement of Science Teaching and Learning (CASTeL)
DCU Faculties and Schools > Faculty of Science and Health > School of Mathematical Sciences
Published in: SMEC 2012: Science and Mathematics Education Conference, Proceedings of. .
Use License:This item is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Share Alike 3.0 License. View License
Funders:European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme [FP7/2007-2013] grant n° 244749
ID Code:21671
Deposited On:25 Jan 2017 15:29 by Thomas Murtagh . Last Modified 11 May 2021 11:13
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