> > On the other hand, students vote with their feet against the subject in
> > increasing, and quite
> >damaging, numbers. There is research and expressed concern amongst
> >mathematics educators about this, too.
>
> That is worrying news for us all. Do you think that the 'purity' of maths
> is the problem here, or is it something else? (I mean this as a genuine
> question, not a rhetorical one).
>
> JAD
I think part of the problem with recruitment for science and mathematics at
university level is that these are not seen as subjects that can lead to a
decent salary. Maybe I'm jaded but I believe that more and more students
choose to study subjects that they feel will lead to financial security,
especially when they're being asked to pay fees.
If science and mathematics want to sell themselves they need to point out
that the majority of those who study such subjects do not end up working in
labs and solving equations for a living, but becoming accountants, city
professionals and (obviously) working in many other areas as well. Also
when business and accountacy degrees can at times be seen as a handicap by
recruiters, the sales pitch for science and mathematics should emphasise the
benefit of a "numerate" degree and transferrable skills.
Feel free to correct me, if you disagree.
Marianne Field
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