Jonathan Lambert, Mathematics Support Tutor |
Widening participation has been advanced a step further, here at the National College of Ireland (NCI). Foundation Leaving Certificate Mathematics is now accepted as an entry requirement for NCI. This raises a number of challenges in the way mathematics is taught, both for the student as well as the teacher.
The challenges faced by the removal of this barrier should be considered in perspective. We should differentiate between the entry-level mathematics standard required to pursue a pure mathematics programme, and the mathematics required by those that need an acquaintance with general mathematical techniques. In particular, the mathematics required for students pursuing: business or computing programmes.