The typical Australian university mathematics student: Challenging myths and stereotypes?

Historically mathematics has been perceived as the domain of “white”, middle-class males. In contemporary Australia, more females than males complete 12 years of secondary schooling and a higher proportion of females than males is enrolled in university courses. Females, however, are less likely than males to study the most demanding mathematics courses offered in the final year of schooling and fewer enrol in engineering and science-related tertiary courses. In a recent study investigating the factors implicated in students' decisions to pursue tertiary level mathematics, biographical data and students' perceptions of their tertiary mathematics learning environments were gathered. A revealing profile of the backgrounds of students enrolled in mathematics courses at three metropolitan universities in Australia emerged. There were similarities and differences among the cohorts. Gender and ethnic differences, and differences by university attended emerged. Replicating previous findings, a higher proportion of males than females was found to be studying tertiary mathematics. Multiple indicators revealed that the socio-economic backgrounds of the cohorts differed. The data revealed that various generations of Australian migrants, representative of the nation's multicultural profile, were studying mathematics. Students were generally satisfied with many aspects of their learning environments. Yet, areas in which the learning environment might improve for the longer term benefit of all students were evident. The study suggests that tertiary level mathematics is no longer the exclusive preserve of Anglo (English speaking), middle-class, Australian males. That is not to say that previously identified inequities in mathematics and science have been overcome.