University project HALMA: New ways to combat dropouts in mathematics!

University project HALMA: New ways to combat dropouts in mathematics!

In Germany, many students have difficulties with mathematics, which has a negative impact on their academic success. To counteract this problem, the universities of Paderborn, Hanover and Kassel are launching the “HALMA” project in October 2025. This project aims to provide individual support to first-year students in mathematics. Loud uni-paderborn.de Changing subjects and dropping out of studies should be reduced. The project receives funding of around 6.5 million euros from the “Innovation in University Teaching” foundation.

Mathematics is a fundamental subject in many educational programs. Nevertheless, around 50% of new mathematics students drop out, making this course the leader in dropout rates. In the first year of study, a third of students even decide to drop out of their studies, according to reports unimagazin.ovgu.de reported. The reasons for failure are diverse and complex, ranging from a lack of confidence in one's own mathematical abilities to doubts about practical relevance.

Causes of dropping out of studies

The challenges in studying mathematics often begin in school. Many students not only struggle with math anxiety, but also see no direct connection to their future professional life. Loud languages-form-opportunities.de The main reasons for dropping out of your studies are:

• Mangelndes Vertrauen: Dies kann auf negative Erfahrungen und gesellschaftlichen Druck zurückgeführt werden.
• Angst und Furcht: Mathematikangst führt oft zu Vermeidung und letztlich zu Abbrüchen.
• Mangelnde Relevanz: Studierende erkennen häufig nicht den praktischen Nutzen der Mathematik.
• Lehrmethoden: Ineffektive Lehrmethoden können zu Frustration und Überforderung führen.
• Gruppenzwang: Negative Stereotypen beeinflussen stark die Entscheidungen junger Leute.
• Fehlende Unterstützung: Ein Mangel an akademischer Hilfe kann ebenfalls fatale Folgen haben.
• Kumulative Natur der Mathematik: Schwierigkeiten mit Grundlagen bereiten den Weg für spätere Probleme.
• Mangelnde Ziele: Fehlende Orientierung kann den Studienmotivation schwächen.
• Überlastung: Das Gleichgewicht zwischen Mathematik und anderen Verpflichtungen wird oft zur Herausforderung.
• Alternative Lernwege: andere Fächer erscheinen oft attraktiver.

The “HALMA” project

In order to meet these challenges, the “HALMA” project is planning a variety of measures. Integrative preliminary courses as well as special offerings on reading and learning strategies are planned. These are intended to take into account the different basic mathematical knowledge of the students. In addition, the aim is to compare individual needs and expectations uni-paderborn.de.

The project is supported by the “Competence Center for University Didactics in Mathematics” (khdm), which can already look back on successful sub-projects. In order to ensure that these concepts are anchored in the study regulations in the long term, a complex process is being pursued. Top scores in reports from teachers and students reflect the high level of approval for this project.

The interface between school and university mathematics represents another important concern. Prof. Dr. In her research, Stefanie Rach found that many students have false expectations of studying mathematics. Lectures and self-study often replace actual school lessons, which leads to a drastic difference in the learning environment. A lack of support and the variety of requirements are just some of the aspects that lead to the excessive demands found unimagazin.ovgu.de.

The forecasts for the “HALMA” project are optimistic. By introducing tailor-made support services and an adapted teaching methodology, the academic success of many students could be significantly increased.