PROCEEDINGS OF THE 20TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON RESEARCH IN UNDERGRADUATE MATHEMATICS EDUCATION
2017
San Diego, California
Underrepresented students succeeding in math: The challenges and coping strategies of mathematically talented post-secondary students
Page: 1305
Retaining mathematically talented underrepresented students in mathematics programs requires understanding the challenges the face during their post-secondary mathematics education. Using Swail’s framework (2003), this study investigates the self-identified challenges undergraduate and graduate mathematics students face and the coping mechanisms that helped them navigate and overcome those challenges. The vast majority of the challenges both groups of students encountered were cognitive in nature, suggesting that programs wishing to retain students should focus on providing social and institutional supports to provide balance.