International Research in Geographical and Environmental Education
Editors: A/Prof John Lidstone, Queensland University of Technology and Prof Joseph P. Stoltman, Western Michigan University
Book Review Editor: Dr Sarah Witham Bednarz, Texas A & M University
Editorial Assistant: Donna Bennett, Australia
|
Volume: 7 Number: 2 Page: 106–121
|
|
|
|
|
A Response to Apparently Low Levels of Numeracy and Literacy Amongst First Year University Environmental Science Students: A Numeracy and Literacy Skills Survey
|
|
William E. Boyd, Murray Cullen, David Bass, Jenifer Pittman and Jan Regan
|
|
This paper describes a numeracy and literacy skills survey administered annually to approximately 200 first year environmental management students, a group traditionally considered weak in basic numeracy
and literacy skills. The intention of the survey is to provide students with feedback regarding their numeracy and literacy skills levels, and thus the opportunity to take appropriate action where necessary.
Additionally, the survey serves to inform teaching staff, thus providing them with opportunities of adjusting their teaching style. The survey boosts morale amongst student who are often under-confident
of their basic numeracy and literacy skills. In reviewing the initial applications between 1995 and 1997, the survey appeared successful in meeting its objectives. However, after its initial trial, several
changes in its design and, especially, administration were necessary, resulting in a revised version with a strong focus on student self- and peer-assessment. Most importantly, the survey evolved from being
a skills assessment instrument to one which provides a core teaching function. In addition to assisting students to identify their own strengths and weakness, it now indicates to students what is required
of them in the way of literacy and numeracy within their course work, and how their work is assessed by lecturers.
© Channel View Publications
Full text PDF
|
