الجاهزية الرياضية بوصفها أساسا لمتطلبات مهارات المستقبل والاقتصاد القائم على المعرفة: دراسة لدى الطلبة المستجدين بجامعة الشرقية في ضوء اختبار تحديد المستوى

“Physical Readiness as a Foundation for the Requirements of Future Skills and the Knowledge-Based Economy: A Study of First-Year Students at Al Sharqiyah University in Light of the Placement Test”

Résumé

This study aims to assess the level of mathematical readiness among newly admitted students at Al Sharqiyah University, considering such readiness a foundation for future skills and the knowledge-based economy, in light of mathematics placement test results. The study adopted a descriptive approach by analyzing placement test results for the academic years 2023/2024, 2024/2025, and 2025/2026, covering a sample of 6,118 students. The findings indicated a low level of mathematical readiness at university entry: only 13.72% of students attained a score of 60 or above on the first placement test (MPT1), whereas 86.28% scored below this threshold. In contrast, among students progressing to the second test (MPT2), 99.72% achieved the exemption criterion. The results also revealed statistically significant differences in meeting the progression criterion on MPT1 according to gender, academic year, and semester, with the proportion declining from 20.99% in 2023–2024 to 8.79% in 2025–2026. No significant differences were found in MPT2 results across the examined variables. The findings underscore the value of placement testing as a diagnostic tool for early identification of weaknesses, academic support planning, and strengthening preparatory mathematics programs. Furthermore, they emphasize using diagnostic data to design effective, targeted early interventions.