michael1990 said:
This is incorrect.
No one can say its scaling effect. As it changes from year to year depending how the state had performed.
You can however say in PAST years it has been known to scale badly.
I agree scaling should be on your mind when choosing subjects, but also how you will perform in that subject. If you cannot perform that well in 2 unit Mathematics why choose it?
As the years have gone past, the gap between 2 Unit Mathematics and General Mathematics has decreased.
If you are doing a bridging course, how would you find the course harder?
But if you do badly in 2 Unit Mathematics in the HSC wouldn't you find it difficult?
I think you need to word your argument a little better.
Yes I am aware of the fact that scaling comes afresh every year. But you should be aware of the fact that the scaling does not alter significantly. Sources are 2006 scaling report and 2007 scaling report. Have a look at them and you will see the differences are minimal (about 1-2 scaled marks except few language courses like Korean Background Speakers).
Are you saying that I have got no right to say that the certain course has got bad scaling? If that's what you are talking about, no one in this forum or in the website has got right to say the certain course has got bad scaling. We can even say that the scaling of Business Studies can be higher than Mathematics Extension 2 when the scaling report comes out in 2008. But we know from the fact (and common sense) that it's not going to happen. When I said the scaling is poor for General Mathematics, you should have assumed from the past scalings as I have got no idea what it's going to happen in future. Branding my comment as 'incorrect' brands as you 'ridiculous' as you have no common sense whatsoever.
You also should have read my post carefully as I never mentioned that you should choose Mathematics over General Mathematics because of scaling.
I never even said scaling should
determine whether you should do the course but it is important to consider it. I was implying that the scaling of General Maths is poor and you can expect it to remain like that (or change slightly but it doesn't matter). As I mentioned earlier the scaling that you see from 2007 is going to be very much similar in 2008.
No, the gap between Mathematics and General Mathematics have not decreased. I will show you.
AVERAGE SCALED mark from General Mathematics in 2006 = 20.9/50
AVERAGE SCALED mark from Mathematics in 2006 = 30.1/50
Difference 30.1 - 20.9 = 9.2
AVERAGE SCALED mark from General Mathematics in 2007 = 21/50
AVERAGE SCALED mark from Mathematics in 2007 = 30.5/50
Difference = 30.5 - 21 = 9.5
Can you still say that the difference got closer? It doesn't seem to me! Check out the 2005 & 2006 reports as well. I checked them out. The difference got bigger (I am also aware of the fact that the scaling comes afresh).
Do you think Bridging course can solve everything? Do you realise that you need to take Bridging course WHILE you take the course? Do you realise that it is not as easy as it sounds? Let's say you struggle with Engineering Course because you didn't do Mathematics. Then, you will be struggling with Engineering Course while you are also struggling in the Bridging Course that can jeopardise the whole courses. I truly believe that everyone should do the courses that they can actually fit in and are capable of.
I reckon my argument was much well constructed then yours and mine was at least informed one. You had no sources backing you and your whole argument was out of common sense. I suggest you go back to scaling report and have a look. Find me a course where the difference in scaling has been astronomical. I bet the scaling is similar every year as the similar kind of cohort would do the course every year. In conclusion, I think you could word your argument better, that's one of the most pathetic one with no evidence behind, trying to ridicule someone's argument that is so much bettter constructed and written.
Source:
http://www.uac.edu.au/pubs/pdf/2007_table_A3.pdf
http://www.uac.edu.au/pubs/pdf/2006_table_A3.pdf