Summer: a much-anticipated reprieve for students and educators alike. Yet, this extended break often brings an unwelcome challenge – a significant decline in foundational math skills. Instructors across math and other STEM disciplines frequently observe students returning with diminished proficiency in essential areas such as algebra, trigonometry, and pre-calculus. For many first-year students, these skill disparities are immediately apparent, contributing to increased math anxiety and higher course drop rates. Compounding this issue, a growing number of students are now being denied admission to foundational courses due to low placement test scores.
The ‘summer slide’ is a verifiable phenomenon, directly impacting student performance and academic progression. This is especially apparent with students transitioning from high school and post-secondary school to university/college.
Keep reading below for suggestions on how to build a summer math readiness plan that benefits both your students and your courses.
Why Summer Math Readiness Matters
Many students, especially those just entering college, overestimate their math skills. When they hit a calculus or physics course cold, they’re often unprepared and may struggle to recall or comprehend concepts they learned in post-secondary/high school. To address this, preempt these struggles with summer review resources that reinforce core concepts before the fall crunch begins.
1. Start with a Diagnostic Assessment
Placement tests, such as our Möbius MAA Placement Test Suite or Möbius Math Readiness solution can pinpoint gaps before they become problems, especially in the areas of algebra, trigonometry, or pre-calculus.
2. Create Self-Paced Review Modules
Design short, focused courses that students can complete over the summer, on their own schedule.
- Unlimited practice with auto-generated problem sets that are powered by parameterized variables
- Automated feedback guides students to targeted review modules
- Dynamic visuals, interactive graphs, and guided solutions = deeper understanding
- Self-check quizzes keep them engaged
3. Offer Low-Stakes, High-Engagement Challenges
Gamify summer learning! Short quizzes or challenges keep students engaged without pressure. Label them “Math Refreshers” to make them approachable. Use a reward system that can include optional badges, leaderboards, or extra credit.
4. Track Progress & Flag At-Risk Students
Identify who’s engaging and who isn’t and spot early warning signs of struggle. For example, Möbius offers student insights that give a window into student activity and knowledge understanding before class even begins.
Additional Best Practices for Your Summer Readiness Program
- Make It Easy: Integrate modules into your LMS or share a direct login page
- Communicate Early: Email students before summer with clear information and access links
- Promote the Why: Explain how this prep helps them start strong in the fall
- Offer Incentives (Optional): Extra credit or quiz boosts can motivate engagement
Readiness Now, Success Later
The good news is that effective tools and strategies already exist to help students maintain their mathematical acumen throughout the summer months!
Möbius Math Readiness is one such comprehensive solution, designed to teach and refresh secondary-school mathematics. This all-in-one solution offers unlimited access for all your students and includes:
- Assessment: Evaluate each student’s competency, pinpointing areas for focused drill and practice to achieve Math Readiness.
- Learn and Practice: Reinforce existing knowledge and build strength in weaker subject areas of secondary school mathematics.
Combatting the summer slide doesn’t require a full summer course. With Möbius, you can offer students a personalized, flexible path to math confidence before they step into your classroom.
It’s a smart investment in student success and smoother instruction. Connect with a DigitalEd expert to explore Möbius or our Math Readiness Solution.