Bonus points for Leaving Cert higher-level maths has led 'to decline in standards', study finds

The study found more than two-thirds of students surveyed said the bonus points was the key motivating factor to them opting to study higher-level maths.

Offering extra Leaving Cert points for sitting the higher level maths exam may actually be causing standards to decline among students in Ireland, a new study has found.

Researchers at the University of Limerick, University College Cork, and Mary Immaculate College examined the impact of the bonus of up to 25 points for higher-level maths, which was introduced in 2011 and has seen an almost 130% increase in students taking this option in that time.

However, the researchers said there may have been unintended consequences against the stated goal of improving students’ mathematical skills.

“This report is the culmination of six years of research examining the impact of bonus points on senior cycle mathematics students and teachers, as well as the wider implications for the education system in Ireland,” report authors Páraic Treacy, Mark Prendergast and Niamh O’Meara said.

The study found more than two-thirds of students surveyed said the bonus points was the key motivating factor to them opting to study higher-level maths.

The researchers also point to a recent report from the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, which suggested bonus points was attracting students “against the advice of their teacher”.

The study said having such an “extrinsic” reason to do higher level “may lead many to focus on just doing enough to achieve a passing grade to gain the reward of bonus points”.

Meanwhile, teachers have said their workloads have increased because of to the bonus points due to a growing need to support students struggling with maths.

It also found female students tend to downplay their abilities at maths more than male ones, even though they achieve similar or better results.

As well as that, due to the way the Leaving Cert is marked, relatively similar proportions of students achieve the spread of grades each year.

The researchers said due to the increase in people taking higher level maths, it has led to a greater number of students achieving grades at the upper end compared to previous cohorts.

“We can only conclude that standards have declined to enable such a significant increase in grades awarded at the upper end of higher level Leaving Certificate mathematics up to 2019,” they said.

Among the recommendations made by the researchers was to reduce the incentive to aim for a low passing grade.

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Furthermore, it said the State Examinations Commission should review “grade inflation” in senior cycle maths and the impact this is having on higher education as students progress to further study.

Professor Dermot Nestor, president of Mary Immaculate College, said the study deserves “careful reflection”.

“This report provides us with a carefully considered assessment of the evolving landscapes we simultaneously occupy, and points us towards the inherent value of responsible, evidence-informed action,” he said.