Mathematics and dropout rates

A chara, – It is clear from the dropout rates in higher education that competence in mathematics in Ireland has fallen ("Concern over dropout rates in computer science courses", January 11th). I can only suggest that concerned parents identify their friendly neighbourhood mathematician, ideally one with school-going children, and coax them into offering volunteer tuition at local libraries and schools. Such gatherings are common in New York state, where immigrants, dissatisfied with the local maths curriculum, are spending their weekends offering supplementary tuition.

I would offer my services, but like others, I emigrated to pursue a love of mathematics. – Is mise,

Dr EOIN Ó COLGAIN,

Department

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of Mathematics,

University of Surrey,

Guildford.

Sir, – I note with ongoing despair the reports of the high dropout rates at third level by students in computing and other courses requiring competency in maths. When Project Maths was introduced, myself and a number of other respected teachers of maths warned of the danger of “dumbing down”, especially at Leaving Certificate higher level, and the introduction of “generous” marking schemes, all to encourage more students to take higher level and to produce an increase in success rates. These policies have attracted more students to take higher level, but at what cost to a large number of them who fail to deal with maths at third level? Perhaps it is time for third-level colleges to press for reform of Project Maths to prepare students better for the rigours of maths at that level. – Yours, etc,

MAURICE MAXWELL.

Castleknock, Dublin 15.