network for excellence in
    mathematics and statistics support

CETL-MSOR Conference 2015

The 2015 CETL-MSOR Conference SUSTAINING EXCELLENCE was held from Tuesday 8 September – Wednesday 9 September 2015 at the University of Greenwich, London.

Titled “Sustaining Excellence”, the conference explored ways in which learning and teaching in MSOR is meeting this challenge whilst navigating the ever changing higher education landscape.

Keynote speakers were:

The social program included a lecture and film in the Planetarium at the Royal Observatory Greenwich and dinner in the Painted Hall.

The full conference program may be accessed  here.

Published conference proceedings are available here

Individual abstracts and presentations that have been made available, may be accessed below:

Shazia Ahmed & Sarah Honeychurch University of Glasgow An analysis and evaluation of using Facebook groups to support student learning Abstract
Presentation
Hannah Bartholomew University Developing a Foundation Mathematics module to improve student engagement and achievement Abstract
Presentation
Emma Berry, Ann O’Shea and Ciaran Mac an Bhaird Maynooth University Investigating relationships between the usage of Mathematics Learning Support and performance of at-risk students Abstract
Presentation
Noel-Ann Bradshaw University of Greenwich

Flipping Employability: Discovering how to further embed employability into the Mathematics curriculum

Abstract
Presentation
Cormac Breen, Ciaran O’Sullivan and Damian Cox DIT, IT Tallaght, IT Blanchard

Mathematics Learning Support across a Multi-Campus Institution: A Prototype of a Virtual Drop-In Service

Abstract
Presentation
Maura Clancy, Anthony Cronin, Cormac Breen, Diarmuid O’Shé and Jonathan Cole Limerick Institute of Technology, UCD, IT Carlow, DIT, Queen’s University Belfast

Mathematics Learning Support in Ireland in 2015

Abstract
Presentation
Emma Cliffe University

Working session: Making mathematical content accessible – collaborative documentation of practice and sharing of expertise

Abstract
Presentation
Claire Cornock Sheffiled Hallam University

Learning within assessment: developing a deeper understanding through group work assessment

Abstract
Presentation
Claire Cornock University

Teaching mathematics to Business and ICT students in a module based around Excel

Abstract
Presentation
Anthony Cronin UCD

Lecturers’ views on the nature and relevance of qualitative feedback collected at a Maths Support Centre

Abstract
Presentation
Michael Cross University of Bradford

Beyond these shores: The conundrum of the successful graduate who experiences difficulties with maths

Abstract
Presentation
Timeline
Nuala Curley and Maria Meehan University

Tales from an intensive eight-week qualitative data collection process in an Irish Maths Support Centre

Abstract
Presentation
James Denholm-Price, Suzan Orwell and Peter Soan Kingston University

First year engagement using clickers

Abstract
Presentation
Sally Dodsley and Vandana Sharma Vision West NottinghamshireCollege

Pump up the V=r2h

Abstract
Presentation
Ruth Fairclough and Liam Naughton University of Wolverhampton

Maths vs Numeracy: Diagnostic Testing of Undergraduate Engineers

Abstract
Presentation
Chrystalla Ferrier and Ian Bailey University Within module numeracy support for life sciences students Abstract
Presentation
Leslie Fletcher and Sue Milne University OpenMSR: an open and sustainable A-Z of maths support resources Abstract
Presentation
Jonathan Gillard and Rob Wilson Cardiff University A statistical analysis of student feedback and the NSS: what do students really evaluate? Abstract
Presentation
Paul Glaister University of Reading Post-16 Mathematics Reforms: A-level and Core Maths Abstract
Presentation
Martin Greenhow, Ceren Cetin, Jan Hanson & Martyn Thomas University Development of maths e.g. for online assessment of adult numeracy and employment aptitude tests Abstract
Presentation
Madonna Herron University The educational uses of pencasts in Mathematics education Abstract
Presentation
Aoife Hunt, Noel-Ann Bradshaw and Mayur Patel University of Greenwich Rethinking the final year project report: cutting out the waffle Abstract
Presentation
Diarmaid Hyland, Paul van Kampen & Brien Noland Dublin City University

Investigating students’ difficulties with differential equations in physics

Abstract
Presentation
Abi James and Clare Trott University of Southampton, Loughborough University Developing maths text to speech to support learners with print impairments Abstract
Presentation
Meena Kotecha University Reducing mathematics and statistics anxiety through assessment and feedback Abstract
Presentation
Stephen Lee MEI When, what and how are changes being made in 14-19 Mathematics education – repercussions for higher education Abstract
Presentation
Richard Lissaman and Trevor Hawkes MEI, sigma Working session: The challenges of creating online maths games to encourage independent learning Abstract
Presentation
Wodu Majin Sheffield Hallam University Reflections on using videos to teach Mathematics Abstract
Presentation
Mary McAlinden University The reform of pre-university qualifications: What has been happening and what is the potential impact for higher education? Abstract
Presentation
Andrew McGettigan and Rich Cochrane University Fine Art Maths Centre at Central Saint Martins – a case study report on Mathematics support in a unique setting Abstract
Presentation
Andrew McGettigan and Rich Cochrane University Working session: Two-point linear perspective & the mathematics of viewpoints Abstract
Presentation
Maria Meehan University Three years reflecting on the relevance of the large lecture, and the verdict is … Abstract
Presentation
Alison Megeney Middlesex University Engaging with Mathematics: how mathematical art, building mathematics, robotics and other activities are used to engage students with university mathematics and promote employability skills Abstract
Presentation
Greta Millwood and Ioannis Lignos University of East London Re-pacing mathematics support to transcend the propensity for “cramming” Abstract
Presentation
Zainab Munshi, Davide Penazzi & Jo McCready-Fallon University Challenging the dominant discourse in first year’s mathematics students in approaching their own studies Abstract
Presentation
Noha Nahari, Bryan Mac Donald & Eabhnat Ní Fhloinn University Designing a mathematical diagnostic test using paired questions and certainty-based marking approach Abstract
Presentation
Caitríona Ní Shé, Sinéad Breen, Connor Brennan, Frank Doheny, Fiona Lawless, et al Maynooth University University, St Patricks College, AIT, Dundalk Institute of Technology, DCU  Identifying topics and concepts that First Year students struggle with in Mathematics Abstract
Presentation
Alun Owen and Mark Johnston University Experiences from setting up a new university Mathematics programme from scratch Abstract
Presentation
Alun Owen, Ellen Marshall & Scott Smith University Resources for statistics support Abstract
Presentation
Chetna Patel University of Sheffield Maths diagnostic testing and beyond: Five years on Abstract
Presentation
Christine Pereira Brunel University Making statistics accessible to non-maths students: challenging conventions Abstract
Presentation
Vesna Perisic University of Greenwich Facebook v Blackboard discussion forums in support of Teaching and Learning Mathematics Abstract
Presentation
Ros Porter and Hannah Bartholomew Sheffield Hallam University When will I ever use that? Giving students opportunity to see the direct application of modelling techniques in the real world Abstract
Presentation
Nadarajah Ramesh, Noel-Ann Bradshaw & Tony Mann University Working with employers to enhance employment outcomes for Mathematics students Abstract
Presentation
Chris Roast and Roxanne Leitão Sheffield Hallam University Visualising and Evaluating Spreadsheets Abstract
Presentation
Lois Rollings and Tracy Seraphin University of East London Working session: Flipping the worksheet Abstract
Presentation
Peter Rowlett and Ewan Russell Nottingham Trent University Developing professional skills in Mathematics undergraduates: three years of practice Abstract
Presentation
Maria Ryan University Using a joint assessment to make Mathematics real and relevant Abstract
Presentation
Sharon Strawbridge University Overcoming Maths Anxiety; some practical ideas and personal reflections Abstract
Presentation
Eva Szatmari Birkbeck College, University of London The challenges and rewards of running a school wide Mathematics and Statistics support solo Abstract
Presentation
Harry Tolley & Helen Mackenzie sigma Senior management perspectives on Mathematics and Statistics support in the HE sector in England Abstract
Presentation
Páraic Treacy & Fiona Faulkner University of Limerick Trends in basic Mathematical competencies of beginning undergraduates in Ireland, 2003-2013 Abstract
Presentation
Cheryl Voake-Jones, Emma Cliffe and Jane White University of Bath Student enhancements of mathematics support provision – two very different approaches Abstract
Presentation
Jeff Waldock Sheffield Hallam University Designing and using informal learning spaces to enhance student engagement with Mathematical Sciences Abstract
Presentation
Philip Walker and Sonia Hussain University of Leeds How do our students revise? Abstract
Presentation
Iain Weir, Rhys Gwynllyw & Karen Henderson University of the West of England A suite of statistics e-Assessments with supporting materials Abstract
Presentation

 

Comments from conference feedback:

“The historic venue was amazing – having the conference dinner in the Painted Hall was a fantastic bonus. The talk at the Planetarium was pitched at just the right level. The standard of talks, both plenary and contributed, was extremely high. This must rate as one of the best CETL-MSOR ever.”

“It was fantastic, and definitely made me feel inspired. I think the most difficult thing will be deciding what to focus on. It was also valuable to be updated on the changes in GCSE and A-level curriculum.”

“Thoroughly enjoyed it; very well organised; extremely friendly conference as ever. Possibly 4 parallel sessions instead of 5 would have been better – felt like I missed a lot of interesting talks!”

“I had not been to this conference before and did not know quite what to expect. I really enjoyed it (and the Planetarium show was superb!)”