Maths Support

In recent years, teaching mathematics to economics students has become increasingly challenging for universities across the sector, regardless of entry qualifications. Many Economics (or economics-related) programmes in the UK now have a mixed intake of students with either A-level or GCSE backgrounds (or equivalents) and the latter may lack practice in the use of mathematical concepts.

Our student surveys identify a problem with mathematics and statistics, frequently stating this to be one of the least satisfactory aspects of Economics degree courses.

We provide, and link to, a wide range of resources that help.

Events

If you want us to visit your department, free of charge, to talk about your mathematics support issues, contact the Network. This is just one of many workshops we can provide to UK departments.

Handbook Chapter

Dealing with students' diverse skills in maths and stats by Karen Jackson

Teaching Case Studies

• Use of WinEcon/MathEcon in teaching Maths for Economics
• Use of WebTests in Teaching Mathematics for Economics
• Basic matrix algebra for economists
• Using Frequent Tests to Enhance the Teaching of Basic Mathematics and Statistics
• Teaching Quantitative Classes at the London School of Economics
• Additional Workshop Sessions in Quantitative Economics
• Seminar/Tutorial activities for Quantitative Economics
• Introductory Econometrics Classes at LSE
• Writing and using computer-aided assessment (CAA) in mathematics for economics first years

Learning and Teaching Resources

We link to textbooks, assessment materials, audio-visual resources and much more for both Maths for Economists and Statistics for Economists.

MathCentre Resources for Economics

Mathcentre is a very large repository of tutorial videos, interactive assessments and PDF handouts to help with maths topics, roughly at A-level. This link is to a range of topics selected as relevant to Economics. The materials are categorised by area (such as Algebra, Arithmetic and Differentiation) and by individual topic. Internet Explorer is required for the interactive assessments.

METAL

METAL is an FDTL5 (HEFCE funded) project which has developed videos, tutor guides and assessment materials to enhance the teaching and learning experience of lectures and students in level 1 mathematics for economics units/modules.

We have produced an A4-size Maths formula sheet to help Economics students with revision of arithmetic, algebra, calculus and common functions. Download the PDF.

We host a set of case studies of mathematical concepts in economic and business contexts, available in Word format for you to edit and distribute in your own courses.

MEI Resources

MEI is an independent UK curriculum development body with particular expertise in 14-19+ mathematics education and has been funded, by the DfES, to set up a national Further Mathematics Network (FMN).

Amongst other things this has involved creating extensive online resources (over 20,000 pages) to help support students. Due of the level of this material, much of it is appropriate for undergraduates taking mathematics service courses and to support subjects such as economics.

MEI is keen to work with university economics staff to run a pilot project using these online resources. Further details are available in this downloadable (PDF) flyer and from the MEI website.