THE FACTORS INFLUENCING THE MATHEMATICS EXAM SUCCESS RATE IN THE STUDY PROGRAMMES TAUGHT AT THE COLLEGE OF POLYTECHNICS JIHLAVA (2006–2015)

This paper addresses the exam success rates in Mathematics 1 at the College of Polytechnics in Jihlava (CPJ). Primary data taken from the school information system cover the years 2006–2015. We carried out a success rate analysis based on several criteria (form of study, the reason for termination of studies, gender). We observed the dependence of the success rate on the aforementioned criteria and time. Plus a detailed analysis of the success rate with respect to the study programme was conducted. The contingency tables analysis and correspondence analysis were used to assess the dependencies. The research showed that the success rate in Mathematics 1 has been decreasing over the course of the monitored period of time. The success rate of full-time students is higher compared to the part-time students. Women have higher success rate than men. The respective study programmes showed equivalent results. Technical study programmes show lower success rate in mathematics. The research furthermore implies that mathematics may not always be the cause of a complete termination of studies. To reverse the trend of the growing failure rate we introduced an entrance test of high school basic mathematics followed by a course for those who fail at this test. As a part of our currently running project, our school have been innovating the e-learning modules and working on the textbooks for Seminar in Mathematics that may be completed in a form of an intensive summer or winter school in mathematics. This project’s objective is an overall improvement of students’ mathematical knowledge and skills.