Readiness Survey
The Mathematics Readiness Survey, MRS, is designed to assist students make an optimal choice. The best first year mathematics subject students should attempt is the one they are ready for.
The MRS has developed as a result of research which shows that students experiencing difficulty in first year maths subjects do so because of six main areas. These are:
- adding fractions
- indices
- linear functions
- quadratic functions
- functions and their graphs, ex and ln x as inverses
- exact values (trigonometry)
When encountered in advanced maths courses these topics require students to recognise their presence, context and use. Unpacking these topics 'on the fly' and using them intuitively is often challenging for first year students attempting an advanced mathematics subject.
You might notice calculus is not listed! The reason? Calculus is not a cause when investigating first year mathematics, rather it is the areas listed above. Tracing back through student work confirms that difficulties experienced in attempting calculus relate to the use of the skills listed above rather than concepts in calculus. You can pass the MRS without calculus, although the MRS does include four questions in calculus, two on differentiation and two integrations. The other sixteen questions are non-calculus questions drawn from the topics listed above, with some algebra.
The MRS will not appear on the menu items to the left until you attend the MRS testing room and the MRS is individually enabled for you. Of course this comment does not apply to the PRACTICE MRS tests, of which there are two, (these can be done from home).
After presenting your student card, the MRS is enabled and then you can take a seat at the workstation you booked and make your attempt. You can use a paper and pen/pencil but no calculators may be used in attempting the MRS.
Thank you,
The MRS testing team.