"Make every course like this": Experimenting with delivery and assessment to improve student engagement in MATH2400

2pm Monday 14 September

Abstract

In 2026, I implemented substantial changes to the delivery of MATH2400 Finite Mathematics in response to poor engagement and attendance in the course in 2025. I concentrated student contact hours, attached assessment to both in-tutorial participation and submission of tutorial work, and replaced live lectures with short, animated lecture videos interspersed with relevant questions to check understanding. My primary aim – which I communicated with students – was to provide the best value for their time and my time. In this talk, I will present an overview of each of these changes and the outcomes via student and tutor feedback, student performance, and my own experience. I will outline next steps for MATH2400 based on these outcomes and make recommendations for those looking to adopt similar approaches in their own courses.