The proposed research will investigate how pedagogic cultures impact on student learning in mathematically demanding courses in FE and will examine how such courses can be enhanced to widen participation for those at risk of marginalisation and drop out from participating and continuing with mathematics. The research will form a comparison of two FE mathematics programmes: an inquiry based, applied programme known as Use of Mathematics (UoM) and traditional A/S maths. The aim is to examine the effectiveness of both programmes in terms of Learning Outcomes and how they mediate the identities of students in relation to mathematics learning and participation in HE. We ask:
• How effective is UoM in comparison to A/S level maths in promoting Learning Outcomes for 16-19 students? (RQ1)
• How can different pedagogic cultures mediate different Learning Outcomes for students, especially those at risk of marginalisation? (RQ2)
• How do different pedagogic cultures mediate students' mathematical identities and aspirations for further study and how is this influenced by gender, social class and ethnicity? (RQ3)
We will answer these questions using a combined quasi-experimental and case study design which incorporates measures of Learning Outcomes (attainment self efficacy and intention to participate in FHE) with nested case studies of individual learners in classrooms. The quantitative measures will be administered to 400 students on each type of programme to measure effectiveness (RQ1). The case studies will involve observations and interviews with 48 students in 8 classrooms to gain an insight into the complex pedagogic cultures in each classroom (RQ2) and the relation with students' (classed, gendered etc) identity and participation in maths and education generally (RQ3). Overall the project will further our understanding of how pedagogic cultures can support participation in mathematics, especially for our targetted non-traditional AS/A2, potential HE learners.
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