Empowering diverse cohorts of students to build confidence in mastering complex financial concepts beyond the classroom

This paper's purpose is to explore the value of providing a set of online learning and self-diagnostic resources (OLRs) for a diverse cohort of third year economics students as a way to enhance student mastery of mathematical/financial concepts, engagement and motivation. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected on student usage of the OLRs, their perceived self confidence in solving financial problems and their interest in the topics covered. Research results from the first phase of this project show that students in general were enthusiastic adopters of the OLRs and provide evidence of increased levels of confidence, interest and engagement