Web-Based Mathematics Exercises and Their Effect on Students’ Achievement and Confidence

Abstract

Abstract: We present the design of a pilot study currently conducted in Finnish high-schools about using web-based mathematics exercises. We describe technical details of this online homework system, called STACK, which is capable of analyzing student-provided answers and establish whether they are correct, partially correct or incorrect and give meaningful feedback to the student accordingly. Authoring the exercises and content management issues are also discussed. This system is available for anyone to use at myweps.com. Furthermore, we describe the pedagogical practices that teachers use within this system: classroom practice, online homework for mastery and formative assessment. Finally, we discuss an ongoing didactical study that tries to analyze the effects on learning of using the web-based mathematics exercises, especially focusing on student achievement and confidence, or mathematical self-efficacy.