Supporting transition for mathematics and science students under an assumed knowledge approach

Abstract

In Australia there is concern over the poor mathematical skills of students entering University STEM degrees (King & Cattlin, 2015). Challenged by the introduction of an assumed knowledge approach for mathematics dependent university degrees, we noted diagnostic testing approaches (Ní Fhloinn et al., 2014) and sought to adapt the successful GetSet2 quiz that previously had been applied only to pre-requisite mathematics university entry (Burton et al., 2013). We introduced the on-line self-assessment Get Ready Maths/Science quizzes for commencing science and mathematics students. This allowed students to receive timely personalised feedback on their level of knowledge and skills compared with the expected assumed/pre-requisite knowledge for university entry. This paper reviews the design, development and initial implementation of transition quizzes under the challenges of an assumed knowledge framework, instead of a pre-requisite framework.