the Further Mathematics network

the Further Mathematics network NCETM Research Grant Let Maths take you Further…

Presenter Rod Bond Further Mathematics Network Centre Manager for North Leicestershire and South Nottinghamshire Based at the Mathematics Education Centre, Loughborough University

Research Title An investigation into how teachers can motivate and enthuse able mathematicians by developing the pedagogy through different approaches to working with AGT students at KS4 in Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire

Timescale Proposed start date:April 2008 Duration:21 months

Project Aims This research and development proposal will centre upon four teachers working together to develop and evaluate ideas and strategies for use when motivating and stretching able Key Stage 4 students with a view to sharing the pedagogical gains with teachers in each of the various models and colleagues nationally. The project will also encourage students to study Mathematics and Further Mathematics at A level and thereafter to apply for Mathematics related degree courses at university.

Project Aims This proposal aims to evaluate strategies and materials developed by teachers in addressing the challenges associated with stimulating bright students. It will compare contrasting approaches made by four teachers working with similar ability year 11 groups in different schools. Teachers will devise schemes of work, methods of study and resources which will be tested and evaluated in year 11. This will contribute to the development of excellence in Mathematics teaching as well as providing the teachers with a challenging professional development opportunity.

Student Target Groups It is proposed that the four groups will evaluate:- Entry for G.C.S.E. at the end of year 10 followed by A/S Mathematics in year 11. Entry for G.C.S.E. at the end of year 10 followed by the Free Standing Mathematics Qualification in year 11. Entry for G.C.S.E at the end of year 11 and the Free Standing Mathematics Qualification at the end of year 11. Entry for G.C.S.E. at the end of year 11 with no additional qualification offered but with the course enhanced by practical work and ICT.

Research Methods audio/video recordings of teacher planning groups audio/video recordings of teaching in the classroom audio/video recordings of students working in the classroom individual interviews with teachers individual interviews with students to evaluate effectiveness of learning and the ways that their experiences have influenced their future subject and/or career choices 

Research Methods the use of questionnaires throughout the year to obtain quantitative data choosing 3/4 students from each group and following their progress thoroughly developing openness between researchers, students and teachers encouraging the use of ‘inside’ and ‘outside’ researchers i.e. teachers and university staff.

Research Methods Use of a range of analytical approaches to make sense of this data, justify findings and to triangulate between findings from different data sources Attention to ethical issues in data collection and analysis

Project Coordinators The project will be coordinated jointly by- A project officer appointed on a fixed term 0.1 contract The Further Mathematics Network Centre Manager for North Leicestershire and South Nottinghamshire

Participating Teachers’ Time Throughout the 21 month period of the project participating teachers will be allocated two hours per week for their work. One hour will be funded by the research grant and the other by the participating schools.

Assessment The project will be assessed by:- The use of an online mini-site community within the NCETM portal. An audit of staff skills and pedagogical approach to KS4 GT students at the beginning and end of the project. Half termly meetings for participating teachers where ideas and experiences will be shared, feedback given and ideas for further professional development discussed.

Assessment Monitoring the perspectives and perceptions of students via interviews and questionnaires. Exam performance. Numbers electing to study A/S Further Mathematics. Increased confidence levels in teachers in working with able students (difficult to measure).

Dissemination of Findings The finding of the study will be disseminated by:- The creation of an NCETM mini-site featuring regular updates throughout the project and case studies. Participating staff sharing ideas with others in their department in school. Feedback to head teachers and other policy makers. A written report. Published papers in relevant journals.

Dissemination of Findings Four INSET sessions within the duration of the project organised at the University for teachers led by the project officer. INSET sessions organised by Mathematics consultants from Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire. Participation at conferences organised by professional bodies e.g. IMA, MA, ATM etc.