Bridging the Gap: Aligning High School and University Mathematics Curricula in Albania

Abstract

This paper evaluates the discrepancy in mathematics education between high school and higher education within STEM disciplines in Albania, focusing on the issues caused by curriculum gaps. It addresses the educational challenges hindering students' transition from high school to university and underscores the importance of aligning educational content across levels to enhance student preparedness for advanced studies. This study builds on analyses of educational transitions, emphasizing the impact of curricular disparities on student preparedness for higher education. It explores the shift towards application-focused content in high school mathematics textbooks at the expense of foundational scientific concepts. The research involved a comparative analysis of Albania's high-school and university mathematics textbooks, concentrating on content alignment and pedagogical strategies relative to real-world applications and rigorous academic requirements. Findings reveal a significant gap between the mathematical competencies developed at the high school level and those required in higher education, leading to increased academic pressures and forcing university professors to fill pre-existing knowledge gaps. These insights are vital for curriculum developers and educators, advocating for integrated curricula that improve educational continuity and student outcomes. This paper contributes to the educational discourse by promoting curriculum reforms that prepare students for the demands of higher STEM education, aiming to enhance the quality and competitiveness of Albanian STEM education internationally.