Ridgway, Jim and Passey, Don (1995) When Basic Mathematics Skills Predict Nothing: Implications for Education and Training. Educational Psychology, 15 (1). pp. 35-44.
Full text not available from this repository.Abstract
A study was conducted into the mathematical needs of engineering apprentices, triggered by a decline in the basic number skills of applicants. The mathematical challenges of engineering differ from the mathematics taught in school. In particular, great precision is required and different techniques; a good deal of practical problem solving is necessary, too. Conventional measures of educational attainment had high predictive validity; a test created to sample the mathematical skills directly involved in engineering had low predictive validity. We conclude that perfect mathematical technique is essential in engineering; the competencies learned from a broad-based education generalise to practical work; acquisition of mathematical technique does not; technical perfection is not a 'foundation', but rather is a component of mathematical education; mathematics education should encourage the development of a broad range of skills and some successful application of technique; and the deployment of skills in a range of contexts should be encouraged.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Journal or Publication Title: | Educational Psychology |
| Subjects: | L Education > L Education (General) |
| Departments: | Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences > Educational Research |
| ID Code: | 30739 |
| Deposited By: | Mrs Yaling Zhang |
| Deposited On: | 02 Dec 2009 15:36 |
| Refereed?: | Yes |
| Published?: | Published |
| Last Modified: | 26 Jul 2012 16:49 |
| Identification Number: | |
| URI: | http://eprints.lancs.ac.uk/id/eprint/30739 |
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