Evaluation of mathematics support centres: A literature review

Abstract

Mathematics SupportCentres (MSCs) havebeen established at universities in theUKand a number of other countries, of which colleagues from Australia and Ireland have been the most prolific in publishing about their work. Their main functions are to address issues surrounding the transition to university mathematics and to support students' learning ofmathematics and statistics across the wide variety of undergraduate courses. There is a growing body of research examining the operation and impact ofMSCs. This article will review and synthesize available published research evidence so that informed decisions can be made about the value of mathematics support activity and the targeting of future funding. Evidence will be shown of the evaluation of MSCs in each of the following areas: •the collection of data and the challenges that are presented in both quantitative and qualitative studies; • analysis demonstrating MSC usage and activity; • analysis showing the impact of MSCs on students, staff and the institution. The article will conclude by identifying areas where further researchwould be helpful. © The Author 2013. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Institute of Mathematics and its Applications. All rights reserved.