Michael Jennings

Dr Michael Jennings is a Lecturer in the School of Mathematics and Physics, Faculty of Science, at the University of Queensland. He earned his PhD from the School of Education at UQ in 2023, with a thesis titled 'Issues in the transition from secondary school to university mathematics: student, teacher, and lecturer perspectives.' His academic qualifications also include a Masters (Coursework) of Educational Studies (Advanced) from UQ, a Postgraduate Diploma from Charles Sturt University, and a Bachelor of Arts from UQ. With more than 25 years of teaching experience across secondary and tertiary education, Jennings focuses on mathematics education, particularly the transition from high school to university mathematics, the teaching and learning of first-year mathematics courses, and students' knowledge in areas such as algebra, calculus, and contextual understanding. He mentors new staff in teaching and assessment design and teaches first-year mathematics units.

Jennings' research contributions include leading an OLT Extension Grant to implement the GetSet diagnostic test system across four Australian universities, serving as Chief Investigator on a Carrick Grant for the SmartAss electronic question generation system used in mathematics, science, business, and high schools for 15 years, and contributing to a UQ Teaching and Learning Strategic Grant for competency testing in engineering. His key publications encompass the 2023 PhD thesis; journal articles such as 'Incentivising the study of advanced mathematics: a comparative analysis of Ireland and Queensland' (2025, Issues in Educational Research), 'How not to paint a fence' (2023, Australian Mathematics Education Journal), 'Advanced mathematics enrolment numbers: a crisis or fake news?' (2022, Australian Mathematics Education Journal), 'An evaluation of UniDoodle: a highly effective student response system for the STEM disciplines' (2019, AISHE-J), and 'A mathematics support programme for first-year engineering students' (2013, International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology); book chapters including 'Research on mathematical thinking' (2024, Research in Mathematics Education in Australasia 2020-2023) and 'Mathematics and the pharmacokinetics of alcohol' (2013, Teaching Mathematical Modelling); and various conference papers on transition issues and student performance. He has received the OLT Award for Teaching Excellence (2015), ALTC Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning (2010), and recognition as a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Jennings serves on the School’s Teaching and Learning Committee, is Executive Committee Member and Treasurer of the Queensland Association of Mathematics Teachers, participates in the UQ College of Peer Observers, and is one of three members of the First Year in Maths National Steering Committee. His work supports the development and review of the Australian Curriculum: Mathematics and fosters connections between secondary and tertiary educators.