New research project to help VET students achieve at uni
UTAS awarded $219,000 funding to lead new research
UTAS has been awarded $219,000 funding to lead new research into developing maths pathways for vocational education and training (VET) students to gain the skills required to succeed in their university courses.
Professor Sue Kilpatrick, Director of the Centre for University Pathways and Partnerships (CUPP) leads a team from UTAS, Flinders University, University of Notre Dame Australia and James Cook University.
The universities will be joined by with their VET partners, including the Tasmanian Polytechnic and Skills Institute.
Prof Kilpatrick said the work will focus on widening participation in university by strengthening pathways from VET.
"Current approaches such as bridging and foundation mathematics programs, and university in-degree support, are not tailored to specific programs and can therefore be insufficient," she said.
"This project will develop, implement and evaluate tailored mathematics pathways from VET to university in four areas, initially focusing on Engineering and Education."
Prof Kilpatrick said the project will help students achieve success at university.
"VET students often lack the maths knowledge necessary to articulate successfully into their chosen university course.
"This project will work towards demystifying maths through exposing students to real world maths applications in their chosen field of study."
"It is our goal to help VET students reach their full potential in their tertiary studies."
Support for this project has been provided by the Australian Government Office for Learning and Teaching.