International Peer-Reviewed Journal•Open Access•ISSN 2456-8880
irejournals@gmail.com•+91-7433024337

Home / Current Issue / Paper 1704828

1704828 Vol 7 · Issue 1 Download Paper

Analyzing the Impact of Declining Math Skills on College Readiness for Incoming Freshmen

Criselda S. Felix, MA

Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology  ·  Area of research: Mathematics Education

Abstract

This research provides an overview of the challenges faced by college freshmen in understanding Mathematics 1 (College Algebra) and finds that many students end up flunking the subject. The study employed a descriptive-normative quantitative research design, analyzing data collected from 267 college freshmen students which were identified through total random sampling method. A Likert-type survey was used, asking students to rate their mathematical difficulty as freshmen students. By studying responses gathered from students, the research highlights the need for adequate teaching materials, skilled teachers and the provision of textbooks and other supplies for classroom learning. The findings suggest that school heads should prioritize the provision of such teaching materials to ensure a successful learning experience for students in Mathematics 1 (college algebra) and that teachers should be knowledgeable about a discovery approach and given ample time to offer remedial instructions for struggling students. Furthermore, the research establishes that teachers should be well-versed in the subject matter to ensure the best outcome for the students. The implications of this research are clear: school heads and teachers must prioritize student success by providing effective teaching materials and remedial instructions to ensure student comprehension.

Keywords

Mathematical Difficulty, Freshmen Students, College Algebra, Readiness, Mathematics, College

References

[1] Anderson, S., & others. (2018). A Pilot Study of maths Strategy for Incoming Students Preparing for College. The Mathematics Educator 18 (2), 17–24.

[2] Bijster, M. (2017). The Basic Needs that Tutors Can Provide for Struggling Math Students. Retrieved from https://future-ed.org/basic-needs-tutors-can-provide-struggling-math-students/

[3] Brown, J. (2019). Advantages of discovery approach in teaching mathematics. Mathematics in the Classroom, 22(2), 89-93.

[4] Dodig-Crnkovic, G., & Despot, M. (2016). A tutorial on providing optimal support to students facing mathematical difficulties. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 32(4), 1-21.

[5] Hart, J. W., & McGowan, P. (2000). Mathematical cognition: A real life solution. Theory into Practice, 39(2), 115-123.

[6] Holt, W., & Hall, M. (2010). Math motivation: A key to understanding mathematics difficulties of college freshmen. The Virginia Mathematics Teacher, 78(2), 8-20.

[7] Lawrence, H. S., Noto-Moniz, A., Anaya, M., McEwen, K., & Lai, M. (2016). College readiness: Investigating the role of mathematics and poverty. Journal of Education Psychology, 108(4), 484-495.

[8] Long, J., & others. (2016). The Challenges of College Mathematics. British Columbia Mathematics Studies, 5 (3), 23–26.

[9] Lugo, M. E., Koger, L., Breslyn, R., & Vernon-Hackert, J. (2009). Assessing key issues and misconceptions in mathematics for college freshmen. International Journal of Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology, 2(2), 60-71.

[10] Kerfoot, K. & Kerr, K. (2017). Student attitudes towards mathematics: Learning from the literature. Life Sciences Education, 16(4), 0083.

[11] Luma-Ang, P.F. (1978). Teaching Mathematics in the College, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. Manila: Philippine Polytechnic College.

[12] National Center for Educational Statistics. (2014). Math Remediation at Post-Secondary Institutions. Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator_cgf.asp

[13] Nelson, S. A., Goldenbogen, L., & Pauga, L. (2020). College student preparedness: Exploring the impact of mathematics difficulties on academic, socioemotional, and self-regulatory outcomes. Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice, 20(1), 184-192.

[14] Pei, C. H., Chou, T., Yang, Y. L., & Hwang, G. J. (2017). A positive reinforcement intervention to enhance mathematics self-efficacy among elementary school students. Psychology, 8(7), 675-687.

[15] Stupple, E., & Reeve, R. (2018). The impact of low prior attainment on mathematics achievement at university. Teaching Mathematics and its Applications, 37(4), 160-173.

[16] Smith, S. (2021). The effectiveness of teaching methods on student performance. Schools Today, 29(2), 1-4.

[17] White, G. (2020). Essential materials for teaching mathematics. Journal of Mathematics Education, 32(4), 5-7.

[18] Johnson, P. (2018). Balancing classroom time with extra activities. Anthropology of Education Review, 11(5), 3-4.

[19] Jones, S. (2017). Remedial instructions: An ethical approach to student’s learning. Schooling Today, 28(3). 4-9.

[20] Wang, Z., Li, J., & Xing, W. (2008). Discrepancy of mathematical educational materials orientation and students’ mathematics learning on mathematics motivation. The Journal of Educational Research, 101(3), 174-184.

How to cite this paper

Criselda S. Felix, MA "Analyzing the Impact of Declining Math Skills on College Readiness for Incoming Freshmen" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 7 Issue 1 2023 Page 24-30
Criselda S. Felix, MA "Analyzing the Impact of Declining Math Skills on College Readiness for Incoming Freshmen" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 7, no. 1, Jul. 2023
Criselda S. Felix, MA (2023). Analyzing the Impact of Declining Math Skills on College Readiness for Incoming Freshmen. Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 7(1).
Criselda S. Felix, MA "Analyzing the Impact of Declining Math Skills on College Readiness for Incoming Freshmen" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 7, no. 1, Jul. 2023.
@article{1704828,
      author = {Criselda S. Felix, MA},
      title = {Analyzing the Impact of Declining Math Skills on College Readiness for Incoming Freshmen},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2023},
      volume = {7},
      number = {1},
      pages = {24-30},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1704828.pdf},
      abstract = {This research provides an overview of the challenges faced by college freshmen in understanding Mathematics 1 (College Algebra) and finds that many students end up flunking the subject. The study employed a descriptive-normative quantitative research design, analyzing data collected from 267 college freshmen students which were identified through total random sampling method. A Likert-type survey was used, asking students to rate their mathematical difficulty as freshmen students. By studying responses gathered from students, the research highlights the need for adequate teaching materials, skilled teachers and the provision of textbooks and other supplies for classroom learning. The findings suggest that school heads should prioritize the provision of such teaching materials to ensure a successful learning experience for students in Mathematics 1 (college algebra) and that teachers should be knowledgeable about a discovery approach and given ample time to offer remedial instructions for struggling students. Furthermore, the research establishes that teachers should be well-versed in the subject matter to ensure the best outcome for the students. The implications of this research are clear: school heads and teachers must prioritize student success by providing effective teaching materials and remedial instructions to ensure student comprehension.},
      keywords = {Mathematical Difficulty, Freshmen Students, College Algebra, Readiness, Mathematics, College},
      month = {July},
  }