Towards the Development of a Subject Specific Mathematics Teaching Component Michael Grove, Duncan Lawson and Bill Cox

What we said last year… Induction Course for New Lecturers: –Expanded programme –Aligned with Professional Standards Framework –Incorporated as part of a mathematics teaching module (pilot): ‘Assessed component’ but linked with current teaching practices Web-based element Network support to participants Contributes towards institutional programmes ‘Accredited’ individually & internally by each HEI

Progress to Date Induction Course: Development of a dedicated ‘teaching mathematics’ module at one HEI Discussions with 5 other HEIs about embedding of module within their current provision

Future Progress Accreditation of ‘Teaching Mathematics in HE Associate Module’ by HE Academy within context of University of Birmingham Provision (4 th April 2007) Course intake: September 2007

The Mathematics Associate Module (MSS013) What is it? –20 credit bearing module at M-level –Provides 20 credits towards PGCertHE –Designed to address issues that arise when teaching Mathematics in HE, while providing an underpinning knowledge of pedagogic issues –Builds upon activities new lecturers naturally undertake as part of their teaching duties –Developed, delivered & administered in partnership with University of Birmingham SDU –Aligns with Professional Standards Framework

The Mathematics Associate Module (MSS013) How is it structured? –Taught Element: MSOR workshops, SDU workshops, online development activities (and online tutor) –Assessed Component: Production of mini-portfolio evidencing teaching development and reflection –Departmental Mentor: To provide feedback and support –Observation: Observation by mentor & peer, as well as observation of others

The Mathematics Associate Module (MSS013) What’s in the taught element? –Attendance at MSOR Network Induction Course for New Lecturers [compulsory - 2 days] –Attendance at MSOR Network Follow-up Day Compulsory – 1 day] –Birmingham SDU Courses: ‘The experience of learning’, ‘Reviewing initial experiences’, ‘Portfolios’, ‘Reflective practice and evaluation’, ‘Peer observation’ [Compulsory ~ 3 days] –Total taught component approximately hours –Optional SDU courses & MSOR Network events available

The Mathematics Associate Module (MSS013) What about the mini-portfolio? –Learning Journal: To assist with compiling material for mini-portfolio –Pieces of ‘coursework’ to link sessions together, help develop skills, transfer learning to practice, and provide evidence for mini-portfolio –Details of teaching observations –Evidence of interaction with wider MSOR Community (as a minimum online interaction) –All must include an element of reflection and reference the appropriate literature

The Mathematics Associate Module (MSS013) Learning Outcomes and assessment: –Mini-portfolio provides evidence of attainment of three (overarching) Learning Outcomes: –A maximum 3 pieces of evidence for each descriptor

The Mathematics Associate Module (MSS013) How can this provision be accessed by our staff in 2007/2008? –Registration as a University of Birmingham part-time student to access the full 20-credit module; –Attendance at Induction Course and follow-up day and engagement with follow-up exercises to claim APL; –Attendance at Induction Course and follow-up day; –Embedding of Network provision within other HEI CPD programmes.