Raising aspirations using elements of team-based learning in mathematics: a pilot study

Abstract

In this article, we report on a pilot study to investigate the use of aspects of team-based learning (TBL) in mathematics to raise the aspirations of young people from disadvantaged areas. The study involved employing elements of TBL to deliver a mathematics revision course to students who were compulsorily resitting GCSE mathematics in schools and colleges. Students were surveyed before and after the programme and there is evidence that the approach made a positive difference towards students' attitudes to studying at University. There is also some evidence to suggest that the approach can help students to overcome issues related to mathematics anxiety and to feel more confident in their own mathematical ability.

Keywords:

• Mathematics education
• team-based learning
• peer assisted learning

2010 Mathematics Subject Classifications:

• 97B10
• 97B20
• 97B40

Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge the anonymous referees for their useful comments and suggestions on improving this manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).