Increasing the LD50 of mathematics: Re-engaging students in mathematics learning

Although most students agree that mathematics is important and useful, many capable students choose not to pursue study of Mathematics when they have the choice. In this paper we describe a project-based learning approach to mathematics adopted in a Year 9–12 school in which none of the teachers were mathematics specialists. Data about students’ views of mathematics and their perceptions of mathematics learning approaches in their current school are presented. The results highlight the negativity towards mathematics that these students felt and the huge task faced by their teachers in attempting re-engage them with learning in the area.