Retention in Mathematics students: problems and possible approaches.

Abstract

This article describes and analyses the approach adopted by the Mathematics course team in UCLan to improve retention in the first year mathematics students. After introducing the key aspects of the skills required by a mathematics student and the teaching methods considered in the past to improve such skills, the UCLan method is outlined. Such method is based on a mixture of formative and summative assignments, spread throughout the year. A case study allows to statistically confirm the effectiveness of such method. We conclude the article outlining possible improvements and drawbacks.