Active Learning and in Pairs Problem Solving: Ways to Higher Success Rate in Mathematics

At Czech Technical University (CTU), Faculty of Biomedical Engineering (FBME), a new strategy in math teaching has been developing since the academic year 2009/2010. This strategy involves a combined approach of: (a) showing relevance to the subject matter; (b) active learning; (c) pair-learning and active problem solving in pairs; (d) immediate feedback. The implemented methodology changes have been analyzed and evaluated. The exam failure rate dropped from its initial level of 52% in 2009 to 34% in 2017 for Math level 1 courses and dropped from 21% in 2009 to 14% in 2017 for Math level 2 courses. The recent observations and statistics is presented in this paper. The merits of our approach to teaching mathematics together with innovative approaches of partners from across Europe, form the basis for a design of a new methodology that will be implemented and tested in 10 higher education institutions in Greece, Israel, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Uzbekistan, within a framework of Erasmus+ Capacity Building project iTEM (Innovative Teaching Education in Mathematics).