Online Mathematical Competition: Using Virtual Marathon to Challenge Promising Students and to Develop Their Persistence

Abstract

In our study, we looked for an insight into students’ persistence and success in coping with challenging mathematics beyond the school walls and curriculum. The data received from the competition Web site were analysed from two perspectives. First, we analyzed the relationship between success in solving the problems and their persistence in participation in the competition. We found that though many students were trying some of the problems at least once, a small group of students were engaged in the competition over a long period of time. These students, who we identify as persistent, were also more successful problem solvers and seemed to be less influenced by intermediate results when deciding to continue the marathon. Second, we focused on the solutions of the most persistent participants and analyzed which of the problems were the most difficult for them. Our findings enlighten directions in which virtual competitions can be improved in both content and design perspectives.