2010 News
- News Archive
St Mary's Wins Mathematics Teaching Funding
Lecturers from St Mary’s University College, Twickenham, have won funding from the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM) to carry out research in teaching mathematical proof.
St Mary’s carried out a project over the spring term of 2010, investigating how the understanding and use of proof can successfully be taught in secondary schools.
More than one hundred students were invited to come to the University College for a carousel of fun mathematical proof activities lasting all day.
St Mary’s Senior Lecturer in Mathematics Education Dr Rosa Archer said, "The event we organised was successful in three different ways. The students enjoyed a day of mathematical deep understanding through fun activities.
"The teachers witnessed good practice and were able to reflect on them with colleagues. The student teachers were given an opportunity to collectively reflect on their practice; they were very proud of organising a really successful and enthusing event and experienced real team teaching and planning."
The NCETM supported the University College in its work and Regional Coordinator Caroline Clissold said: “We were very impressed by the way in which Dr Rosa Archer led this project at St Mary’s and made the most of this valuable opportunity to develop their knowledge of mathematics teaching and learning.
"The impact has been remarkable and will help transform their students’ experience of learning mathematics, with all the benefits that will bring to their lives.”
NCETM Director Celia Hoyles added: “Taking part in research projects or ‘teacher enquiry’ is a very effective way for teachers of mathematics to reflect upon and develop their skills in the classroom and helps ensure that learners reach their full potential in this important subject.
We are delighted that NCETM funding is having such a powerful impact in the mathematics department of St Mary’s as it is across the country where other similar projects are taking place. For those involved, this is just the beginning of a journey in professional development that will continue to pay dividends in our schools and colleges over the months and years ahead.”
