Supplementary Online Tutoring as a Response to High-Stakes Testing in Mathematics

• In Event: 32.084 - Poster Session 6
  In Poster Session: 32.084-2 - Emerging Technology Environments for Learning

Abstract

Student achievement in mathematics is at the centre of educational discourse worldwide and frequently finds its way into political debate. Concerns about mathematics standards provide a warrant for many educational initiatives, including the prioritization of mathematics in public and educational policy. Success in mathematics helps shape opportunities for individual students and wider society. This paper is set against a backdrop of students and parents seeking cost-effective supplementary mathematics tutoring outside the school to optimize students’ chances of performing well on high-stakes secondary school exit examinations in the Republic of Ireland. Through evaluation of a developmental e-learning project findings highlight students’ efforts to ‘beat the system’ and the perceived and actual role of supplementary online tutoring in realizing this aim

Authors

• Damian P. Murchan, Trinity College Dublin

• Peter John Lombard, Trinity College Dublin

• Elizabeth Oldham, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin

• Keith Johnston, Trinity College