Unite! news

Maths skills are the foundation for nearly all STEM studies, making it of strategic importance for the academic success of freshman students. The project, supported by the Unite! seed fund initiative seeks to bridge the gap in maths between high school alumni and first-year university students. 

The project team emphasizes the importance of establishing an inclusive learning environment for both students and lecturers by introducing a joint online maths assessment test designed to evaluate students' math skills and anxiety levels. In a first step the assessment aims to provide valuable insights into students’ readiness for STEM studies, addressing psychological factors and distinguishing between learning math anxiety (LMA) and math examination anxiety (MEA). 

Maths and STEM lecturers from partner universities will collaborate to share best teaching practices, discuss challenges within maths education, and exchange or co-create Open Educational Resources (OER). Exam results and teaching experiences will form the basis for common best practice initiatives, ensuring that students are better prepared for STEM studies, particularly in the first semesters. At the same time a network of maths professors will be establish, allowing the integration of maths assessment tests into introductory maths lectures. 

A Vision for the Future 

By integrating the assessment test into regular teaching, an anxiety map can be created that helps to identify teaching actions in order to reduce psychological barriers in the first semesters of studying math and STEM subjects. Thus, the project will contribute to a sustained influence on shaping maths and STEM education, emphasizing the well-being of students. This collaborative effort symbolizes a step towards fostering an environment where maths education is not just a hurdle but a stepstone for future STEM leaders.