Increasing student engagement in math placement and preparation

TL;DR

This paper explores how applying behavioral economics, especially choice architecture, to math placement communication can boost student engagement, improve placement success, and foster a sense of belonging among STEM students.

Contribution

It introduces a behavioral economics-based approach to optimize placement communication, reducing preparatory course enrollment while maintaining positive academic outcomes.

Findings

Enhanced student engagement through targeted communication.

Reduced enrollment in preparatory courses.

Improved self-efficacy and sense of belonging.

Abstract

Math placement is a crucial step between admission and full engagement with the university for students in STEM majors. Students' placement experiences influence not only their mathematical entry point on their degree pathway, but their perceptions of their relationship with the university. Application of behavioral economics theory, particularly choice architecture, to placement communication can increase student engagement with the placement process, reducing enrollment in preparatory courses while maintaining positive outcomes in more advanced courses. Targeted communication with students facilitates successful placement and enhances self-efficacy and sense of belonging. Math placement is a pigeonholing process and inherently involves an array of sub-instructions and information relevant only to subgroups; optimizing content flow improves retention of key information and minimizes exposure to intimidating or alienating information.