Maths: Why Not?
The AAMT, in conjunction with staff from the University of New England, has completed a project entitled Maths: Why Not? Unpacking reasons for students' decisions concerning higher-level mathematics in the senior years.
The drop-off in numbers of students in these sorts of courses has been identified as an issue of concern, especially in the context of increased mathematical demands in many areas of human endeavour. This project sheds light on why this may be happening and makes suggestions that will improve student numbers in these courses. The project was supported by funding from the then Australian Government through the Quality Outcomes Programme of the Department of Education, Science and Technology (DEST) (now Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relationships, or DEEWR)
The project report, containing 16 detailed recommendations for actions to address the issues at a variety of levels, was released on 8 April 2008 by the Hon Julia Gillard, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.
The Executive Summary and full list of Recommendations is also available; a discussion of the recommendations and possible responses by the AAMT has also been prepared. The AAMT Executive and Council is keen to hear the views of members and others on the Report, its Findings and the Recommendations. Please send your thoughts to by email, or contact the AAMT Office (P: 08 83630288; A: AAMT, GPO Box 1729, Adelaide, SA, 5001)