The Group of Eight’s (Go8) Review of Education in Mathematics, Data Science and Quantitative Disciplines, released today, found that the state of mathematical sciences in Australia has deteriorated to a dangerous level and will require universities to provide additional maths enabling courses and to improve co-operation between education and maths faculties in future.

The Review, chaired by former University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gavin Brown, was commissioned by the Go8 Vice-Chancellors in 2009 because of serious concerns about the number and quality of students entering university courses requiring strong quantitative skills.

The Review highlights some startling statistics.

The Review concluded that “universities cannot ignore the downward change in mathematics preparedness affecting entering students. In the short term there appear to be only two conceivable responses: the provision of enabling (i.e. remedial) programs and the lowering of standards.”

Go8 Chair, Professor Alan Robson, welcomed the review’s six recommendations which focus on equipping primary school teachers with mathematical skills and the need for remedial maths courses at the tertiary level.

“The Go8 requested a broad review because of the national significance of the issues and because tackling this problem will require action from other universities and state and federal governments,” said Professor Robson.

“The Go8 Vice-Chancellors will carefully consider the Review’s recommendations and will work with other stakeholders to attempt to arrest the decline,” said Professor Robson.

The Go8’s Review of Education in Mathematics, Data Science and Quantitative Disciplines can be downloaded from HERE.

For information: Alan Mackay, Go8 Director, Information Strategy, Ph: 02 6239 5488 or 0407 498 394