Rationalisation of a Basic Maths Diagnostic Assessment

Abstract

The Robert Gordon University Moodle basic maths diagnostic quiz is a development of a paper-based test first transferred online using QuestionMark Perception in 2003 by Patel and Little [1] that uses mainly CALMAT [2] and Diagnosys [3] questions selected by teaching staff, copied to the University’s new moodle VLE in 2008. The quiz addresses concerns regarding mathematical preparedness of new students expressed by the Engineering Council [4], STEM [5] and, more recently, QAA Scotland through Whittaker [6] who states that the “...level of maths skills is often uneven...and requires a diagnostic approach towards targeting additional support.”