Towards Equity: Exploring Gifted and High Achieving Students’ Lived Experiences with a Mathematical Enrichment Program Based on PISA

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to study the effectiveness and usefulness of a Mathematics Enrichment Program (MEP) from students’ perspectives. The case study presented in this paper highlights the need for the MEP as a possible way to fulfill the needs of high-achieving and gifted students in mathematics in regular classrooms. This MEP was designed to improve students’ mathematical literacy in relation to their readiness for work after school and using mathematics in real life. The process for developing the MEP was described. The sample consisted of 51 grade 10 students from the advanced stream in two high schools in the UAE. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through a survey designed specifically for this study to gain insight into students’ perceptions of their participation in the MEP experience. Students’ responses to the survey showed a significant impact of the enrichment program on them in many aspects. It is evident that this program helped the students see the importance of mathematics in their life. Although participants reported excitement and more understanding of their mathematics classroom, a few students complained about the of lack of time and difficulty with language and problem-solving skills.