Meeting Individual Mathematical Needs in a Mass HE Market

For a number of years, the acoustics section within the School of Computing, Science and Engineering at the University of Salford experienced unacceptable failure rates in mathematics at level 1. The article describes the changes implemented which have helped to boost the pass rate from 52% to 96% (in 2005). Funding was awarded for D John Martin to co-ordinate developments with staff on a half time basis for 2 years. Issues influencing developments included: changes introduced should be sustainable after funding ended with little extra work for staff; important not to overwhelm science background students at an early stage alongside stretching and maintaining interest of more able maths background student; giving reasons for change and gaining feedback from students on the changes; encouraging and rewarding students for consistent work; ensuring that those struggling get complete notes; developing a sense of the importance of maths in professional practice by linking to acoustic applications; enhancing peer support.