The students need to focus on several key factors to succeed in mathematics at the university level, said a study.
The study has recently published in the 2024 issue of Heliyon. The researchers from Jagannath University and University of Dhaka shed light on the factors contributing to success and failure in mathematics at the university level.
Led by Mili Saha, Associate Professor in the Department of English at Jagannath University, Bangladesh, and Dr. Goutam Saha, Associate Professor at the School of Science, Department of Mathematics at University of Dhaka, the study pioneers a mixed-mode approach to understanding these dynamics.
The research team also includes Shobha Islam, an adjunct lecturer at BRAC University, and Asma Akter Akhi, a lecturer in mathematics at the University of Dhaka.
The study shows that mathematics is compulsory for science, technology, and engineering students in Bangladeshi universities. Many students harbour a fear of mathematics, impeding their progress.
The acquisition of mathematics skills during primary, secondary, and higher secondary levels significantly influences success in higher education. Unfortunately, these educational phases often fail to establish a robust framework for higher education, resulting in a dismal performance in first-year mathematics courses at universities, it showed.
According to the study, it's apparent that students need to focus on several key factors to succeed in mathematics. These include regular and ample practice, a solid grasp of the subject material, consistent study habits, motivation, determination, and confidence, as well as a clear understanding of the curriculum, patience, retention, interest, and curiosity in mathematics, mastery of formulas, utilization of mathematical strategies, adherence to correct procedures, reliance on prior knowledge, and the cultivation of strong mathematical skills.
