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:
- Professor Les Ebdon, OFFA
- David Bowers and sigma Hub co-ordinators – The sigma Network: Planning a sustainable future for mathematics and statistics support
- Professor John MacInnes, University of Edinburgh – Developing STEM skills in the social sciences: the Q-step programme
- Staff-Student Partnerships in Teaching and Learning: Hearing from the students themselves
- Emma Collins-Jones, Lynn Long and Inès Righi Promoting a mathematics support centre: what works?
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!)”