A proactive collaborative workshop approach to supporting student preparation for graduate numerical reasoning tests

Abstract

Numerical competency and reasoning skills are of high importance and high concern to graduate recruiters. The use of numerical reasoning tests in graduate recruitment is increasing. Many students are unaware of the prevalence of these tests, and the need for refreshment and practice of numerical skills. We describe a stand-alone workshop that is jointly run by the Maths Learning Centre and the Careers And Employability Service at De Montfort University. This workshop helps students to proactively prepare for these tests by providing test information, preparation tips and signposting to further maths and career support. The workshop’s main feature is a testing activity that is run individually and for small groups. Findings suggest that these workshops have been effective and are popular with students.