NotesFAQContact Us
Collection
Advanced
Search Tips
Back to results
Peer reviewed Peer reviewed
Direct linkDirect link
ERIC Number: EJ1436136
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0307-5079
EISSN: EISSN-1470-174X
Causal Evidence of the Effect of a Course Specific Mathematical Learning and Support Center on Economics Students' Performance and Affective Variables
Stefan Büchele; Mirko Schürmann
Studies in Higher Education, v49 n9 p1569-1587 2024
The positive impact of Math Learning Support Centers (MLSCs) on student performance is well-documented in existing literature. However, we argue in this study that many of these evaluations could be improved methodologically. Using a more rigorous approach, we investigated the effect of an MLSC on students' performance and affective variables in an economic study program. Our data, collected over six years, was analyzed using Propensity Score Matching and Difference-in-Differences methods, to control for observable and time-invariant unobservable characteristics. Contrary to a majority of the existing literature, we found no direct impact of students' participation in the MLSC on students' math performance. However, we identified positive effects on students' test anxiety and other affective variables. Moreover, we found that students' engagement in the learning process during the semester (e.g. by attending classes and solving exercise sheets) was a key driver of skill growth. These findings underscore the importance of more rigorous methodological approaches in future evaluations of MLSCs and other similar support systems.
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Germany
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A