Pavlos Gkasis developed a Mathematics Diagnostic Test

The diagnostic test on Mathematics was compiled as an attempt to address the problems that many students are facing with respect to quantitative analysis. These problems come to the surface either during the first year of studies or in subsequent years when students are taught other modules which are mostly quantitative in nature. The purpose of the test is to identify students that have a weak background on quantitative analysis from the outset and provide them with the necessary support. Once the results are obtained the International Faculty can then offer these students additional support classes in order to help these students enhance their skills in quantitative analysis. 

After significant efforts to acquire additional feedback from mathematics teachers and professors the material examined in the test covers some broad areas of mathematics especially with respect to algebra and basic geometry. Algebra is examined because it is the area that is mostly used by other disciplines, while geometry depicts the level of overall understanding that the student has. This provides very useful information on the main weaknesses of students and gives the opportunity to the unit leader of the Quantitative Methods module to provide customized support to these students.  

The initial application of the diagnostic test has been very successful and well-received by both academic staff and students, since failure rates for both the 3-year and the 4-year programmes where reduced significantly. After its successful application it has now become a standard practice of the International Faculty of the University of Sheffield. Overall, the diagnostic test is of great importance since it assists students’ efforts to soundly proceed to the subsequent years of their studies, on the one hand, while it is promoting even more the International Faculty’s focus in excellence in teaching and learning.

Pavlos I. Gkasis
Business Administration & Economics Department