New Tutor Training in Cardiff
2018-10-05 10:30 - 15:30 UTC | Cardiff University
Will your maths support centre be employing new tutors this year? For example, UG/PG students or academic staff who are new to the practice of maths and statistics support in HE?
The sigma Network is offering a FREE one-day training workshop for new maths and statistics support tutors on Friday 5th October 2018, at Cardiff University.
OUTLINE PROGRAMME
1030: Welcome and introductions
1045: Mathematics support – what is it?
1115: Problem solving session
1200: Principles of mathematics support – do’s and don’ts
1230: Lunch
1330: Offering statistics support
1400: Tutoring in a mathematics support centre – exploring possible scenarios and student needs
1445: Resources and networking
1515: Question and answer session
1530: Close
This training day is generously hosted by Cardiff University, and will be coordinated by Robert Wilson, member of the sigma Network steering group. Anyone interested in attending, please contact Robert Wilson wilsonrh@cardiff.ac.uk noting any special dietary or access requirements.
For those working towards HEA Fellowship, engagement with this event and reflection on the implications for your professional practice can help provide evidence towards the following dimensions of the UKPSF: A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, K2, K3, K4, V1, V2, V3, V4

Tutor training for statistics support, Coventry
2018-10-26 10:00 - 16:00
The sigma Network’s Special Interest Group in Statistics Support is hosting a free one day workshop on developing the skills needed for providing effective statistics support. This is aimed at anyone who gives statistical advice and wishes to improve their skills in providing this type of support.
The statistics support needs of many students usually relates to the application of statistics to an individual project which those new to statistics support can often find challenging. The event, led by experienced statistics tutors, will concentrate on developing the additional skills required for this type of support along with tips for dealing with common issues. The workshop will use scenario based training to allow delegates to build confidence through practical activities, discussion and sharing ideas.
Aspects of statistics support which will be covered include:

Listening and questioning skills
Choosing the right test
Explaining key concepts
Providing support rather than a consultancy
Tailoring to the individual
Dealing with difficult situations

This free workshop, including lunch and refreshments, is being hosted by the sigma Mathematics Support Centre at Coventry University on Friday 26th October 2018, from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm.
If you are interested in attending please register via this link:
https://shusls.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dn8S0tsAofE62pL
If you have any questions about the event please email one of the organisers:
Alun Owen at Coventry: aa5845@coventry.ac.uk
Ellen Marshall at Sheffield Hallam: ellen.marshall@shu.ac.uk
Mark Hodds at Coventry: ab7634@coventry.ac.uk

New Tutor Training in Essex
2018-11-07 10:00 - 16:00 | University of Essex
Will your maths support centre be employing new tutors in the coming year? For example, UG/PG students or academic staff who are new to the practice of maths and statistics support in HE?
The sigma Network is offering a FREE one-day training workshop for new mathematics and statistics support tutors on Wednesday 7th November 2018, at the University of Essex. This training day will be ideal if you were unable to attend one of our earlier events this year, or if you have only recently employed new maths support tutors.
OUTLINE PROGRAMME
10:00 Arrive, coffee
1030: Introductions. Aims of the day.
1045: Mathematics support – what is it, why do we need it, how does it differ from traditional teaching?
1130: Problem solving session and role play.
1230: Principles of mathematics support – do’s and don’ts
1300: Lunch
1330: The special case of statistics support
1400: Tutoring in a mathematics support centre – dealing with challenging situations and student needs
1500: Resources for maths support
1530: Q&A, coffee and networking.
1600 Close
This training day is generously hosted by The University of Essex in their spectacular new STEM Building, and will be coordinated by David Bowers, Chair of the sigma Network steering group. Anyone interested in attending, please contact Hansa Bissoondeeal (hobiss@essex.ac.uk) noting any special dietary or access requirements.
For those working towards HEA Fellowship, engagement with this event and reflection on the implications for your professional practice can help provide evidence towards the following dimensions of the UKPSF: A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, K2, K3, K4, V1, V2, V3, V4

Impact and Evaluation of Mathematics Support
2019-03-15 10:30 - 15:30 | Lanchester Library, Coventry University
Lanchester Library, Coventry University
Friday 15th March 2019 10.30am – 3.30pm
Draft Programme
10.00am Registration and coffee
10.30am Welcome and housekeeping
10.35am A senior management perspective
. (Duncan Lawson, former PVC Newman University)
11.20am Comfort break
11.30am Workshop – reviewing impact and evaluation questionnaires
. (facilitated by Mark Hodds, Coventry University)
12.30pm Lunch
1.15pm The role of a critical friend
. (Emma Cliffe (Bath) and Rob Wilson (Cardiff))
2.00pm Sharing practice from around the sector
3.15pm Summary of the day
3.30pm End of workshop
Registration
This is a free workshop provided by the sigma Network and hosted by Coventry University. To register to attend please contact Mark Hodds (ab7634@coventry.ac.uk). If you would like to contribute to the Sharing practice session please indicate this when you register.
Recommended Reading
There are two freely available sigma guides that are highly pertinent to this workshop:
Gathering student feedback on mathematics and statistics support provision
Evaluation of mathematics support centres: a review of the literature
A report from the Irish Mathematics Learning Support Network is also relevant:
Report on Student Evaluation of Mathematics Learning Support

For those working towards HEA Fellowship, engagement with this event and reflection on the implications for your professional practice can help provide evidence towards the following dimensions of the UKPSF: A1, A4, A5, K3, K5, K6, V1, V2, V3, V4

Inclusive Teaching: Offering a tailored approach in supporting students’ learning in maths
2019-03-26 09:30 - 17:00 | Lancaster University
George Fox Building LT5 – 9.30 am to 5.00 pm (lunch included)
The Maths Learning Development (MLD) Team at Lancaster University (LU) is running a FREE sharing practice event to promote our student maths support service. Our approach to maths learning development is focused on providing a proactive, tailored and timely delivered service, which allows meeting the demand of a diverse student body (e.g. students from non-traditional university entry routes and students who have specific learning difficulties (SpLD)) to enhance students’ learning experience and improve retention.
The MLD team has received very positive feedback from our students, so we would like to share our experience and lessons from practice with colleagues at LU and in the wider HE sector. We hope that you will be able to attend!
We are interested in hearing your views on supporting students’ learning in maths. We invite you to give a 5 minute presentation during our discussions.
Keynote presentations will be given by
Michael Grove (University of Birmingham) ‘Mathematics support: Learning from past and present to prepare for the future’.
Leif Bryngfors (Lund University, Sweden) ‘SI-PAL-PASS: a Rose with many names’
This event is sponsored by Faculty of Science & Technology and Teach-Learn-Share initiative at LU Management School and Faculty of Health & Medicine.
To register for this free event, please go to https://lancaster-uk.libcal.com/event/3376955 or send an email to Jan Lyons jan.lyons@lancaster.ac.uk
If you are interested in giving a 5-minute micro-presentation, please indicate this when you register.

Supporting Nurses with Drug Calculations
2019-05-22 10:00 - 15:30 | Middlesex University
Middlesex University, Hendon
This is a free one-day workshop for maths support practitioners who work with nursing and midwifery students. The focus will be on sharing experiences of the challenges this kind of support poses, and of different approaches to overcoming them. This might include helping students with wider issues of arithmetic and/or calculator use. During the day we will hear first-hand experiences of nursing students and how they have coped with the numeracy requirements of their course. There will also be a presentation from a senior nursing lecturer to give a perspective on the role and requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
Attendees have the opportunity to give a short 10 minute presentation relating to the maths support they give to nursing students. This could be a case study of a particular approach you have found beneficial, a demonstration of useful resources, or a discussion of problems faced. If it is relevant to you, it will doubtless be of interest to other attendees!
Draft Programme
10:00 Arrival: Registration and Refreshments
10:30 Introduction and Welcome
10:45 10-minute presentations and group discussion
12:00 Student nurses: Our experience of drug calculations in theory and practice
12:30 Lunch and networking
13:30 Senior nursing lecturer: How drug calculations fit into the nursing programme, and the role of the NMC.
14:15 10-minute presentations and group discussion
15:15 Closing plenary

The event will take place in the Hendon Library building on The Burroughs. This is a 10-minute walk from Hendon Central ( Northern Line) or a 20-minute walk from Hendon Station (Thameslink). It is also close to junction 2 of the M1 – however there is no parking available on campus and on-street parking can be scarce and expensive. See https://unihub.mdx.ac.uk/campus/hendon/getting-here for more details.
Places are limited. To register to attend, and to offer a 10-minute presentation, please complete this form: https://fs12.formsite.com/LRforms/nhpchjuxtp/index.html

If you are working towards HEA Fellowship then engagement with this event, and reflection on the implications for your professional practice, can help provide evidence towards the following dimensions of the UKPSF: A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, K1, K2, K3, K4, V3, V4.
If you have any queries about this event then please email numeracy@mdx.ac.uk.

Online Maths Support for Remote Learners
2019-07-03 10:00 - 16:00 | Staffordshire University
A FREE sigma Network event. We are delighted to welcome two experts from the Open University as our keynote speakers, Dr Tim Lowe and Dr Sue Pawley. Between them they will cover how they teach mathematics online and how maths students are supported remotely outside formal teaching time. It is anticipated that such a comprehensive overview will give delegates plenty of ideas and inspiration to apply to their own situations.
On the theme of supporting remote learners, attendees are invited to present 10 minute ‘show and tell’ talks about their experiences, which may be positive or negative. Time will be built into the programme for discussion and sharing of successful practice.
In the afternoon, after the second keynote speaker, hands-on workshops will offer attendees the opportunity to explore Blackboard Collaborate, Microsoft Teams and the use of graphic tablets as tools for online support.
A more detailed programme of the day will be provided nearer the time.
The event will start at 10am (first speaker at 10.40am) and will finish around 3.30/ 4.00pm. It will be located in the Staffordshire University Science Centre just around the corner from Stoke-on-Trent train station (a 2/3 minute walk). A buffet lunch is included, and attendees will be contacted individually regarding parking requests, accessibility and dietary requirements.
HOST: Staffordshire University (Academic Skills Team, Library)
BOOK YOUR PLACE: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/online-maths-support-for-remote-learners-a-free-sigma-network-event-tickets-59225268372
CONTACT: angela.evans@staffs.ac.uk

Getting started with free analysis software for statistics support
2019-07-18 10:00 - 16:00 | University of Chester
The University of Chester, in collaboration with the sigma Network’s Special Interest Group in Statistics Support, will be hosting our first sigma Network event: “Getting started with free analysis software for statistics support”. This FREE event is aimed at statistics support colleagues who have no or limited experience with supporting students to use R but may be required to do so, now or in the near future. We will also be introducing Jamovi, a free menu-driven SPSS-like statistical analysis software package. The workshop is free to attend, with lunch and refreshments provided courtesy of The University of Chester.
Sessions planned for the day include:
*An introduction to R
R is increasingly used in industry due to its free and open source nature. This session will give an overview to help beginners get started in supporting students to use R.
*Introducing Jamovi
Jamovi is a free menu-driven SPSS-like software package which is much simpler for students to grasp and is often recommended for students who do not need to conduct a lot of analyses.
*Lightning talks and discussion
A series of short talks on topics relating to statistics support, designed to open up discussion. All attendees are invited to propose a lightning talk. A standard PC/projector set-up will be available for the lightning talks.
To register for this free event, please e-mail Nick Goddard directly at n.goddard@chester.ac.uk, giving your name, e-mail address, institution, any specific accessibility or dietary requirements and lightning talk proposal (if applicable). Please also let Nick know how you plan to travel to the university, so we can plan parking.

Joint ALDinHE / sigma Network Symposium
2019-07-22 09:30 - 16:00 | University of Bedfordshire
You are invited to the first co-delivered ALDinHE and sigma Network event to share and discuss current issues in Learning Development and academic skills support provision across a range of disciplines and skills areas.
The focus of this FREE meeting is differentiation, with the following themes:

Strategic considerations and experiences when co-locating academic skills support services (eg academic writing, maths support), to provide a differentiated approach to students’ needs.
Academic skills support delivery differentiation for diverse student groups (e.g. Widening Participation characteristics, foundation year, high achievers).
Teaching and learning differentiation when preparing and delivering academic skills workshops / 1:1s / drop-ins / embedded courses / online learning materials.

This event is now fully booked.
If you have any questions, please get in touch via email at uobregional2019@gmail.com

New Tutor Training event in Manchester
2019-09-13 11:00 - 16:00 | University of Manchester
Will your maths support centre be employing new tutors in the coming year? For example, postgrad students or academic staff who are new to the practice of mathematics and statistics support in HE?
The sigma Network is offering a FREE one-day training workshop for new maths and statistics support tutors on Friday 13th September 2019, at the University of Manchester.
OUTLINE PROGRAMME
11.00 Arrive. Coffee. Introductions, aims of the day
11.30 What is maths support, why do we need it?
12.00 Problem solving – simulation and role play
12.45 The Dos and Don’ts of maths support
13.00 Lunch
14.00 Statistics Support – how is it different?
14.30 Individual differences and needs
14.45 Scenarios you might encounter.
15.30 Resources available for maths support centres.
15.45 Final Q&A. Reflection
16.00 End
This training day is generously hosted by the University of Manchester, Alan Gilbert Learning Commons. Anyone interested in attending, please contact Adam Scott (email: mle@manchester.ac.uk ) noting any special dietary or access requirements.
For those working towards HEA Fellowship, engagement with this event and reflection on the implications for your professional practice can help provide evidence towards the following dimensions of the UKPSF: A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, K2, K3, K4, V1, V2, V3, V4

New tutor training in Greenwich
2019-09-20 10:00 - 15:00 | University of Greenwich
A training session for new maths support tutors is taking place on Friday 20th September 2019, from 10.00am to 3.00pm, at the University of Greenwich. The day is aimed at training PhD students at Greenwich who will be taking on tutoring work in mathematics and statistics support in the coming year, but it is being opened up across the sigma Network for new tutors who are welcome to join in.
The training will be delivered by experienced practitioners and will follow established sigma guidelines. For further information please contact Tony Mann, Director of the Greenwich Maths Centre: A.Mann@gre.ac.uk

New Tutor Training in Cardiff
2019-10-03 10:30 - 15:30 | Cardiff University
Will your maths support centre be employing new tutors in the coming year? For example, postgrad students or academic staff who are new to the practice of mathematics and statistics support in HE?
The sigma Network is offering a FREE one-day training workshop for new maths and statistics support tutors on Thursday 3rd October 2019, at Cardiff University.
OUTLINE PROGRAMME
10.30 Welcome and introductions
10.45 Maths Support – what is it?
11.15 Problem solving session
12.00 Principles of maths support – dos and don’ts
12.30 Lunch
13.30 Offering statistics support
14.00 Tutoring in a maths support centre – exploring possible scenarios and student needs
14.45 Resources and networking with others
15.15 Question and Answer session
15.30 Close
This training day is generously hosted by Cardiff University, and will be coordinated by Robert Wilson NTF, member of the sigma Network steering group. If you are interested in attending, please contact Robert Wilson wilsonrh@cardiff.ac.uk noting any special dietary or access requirements.
For those working towards HEA Fellowship, engagement with this event and reflection on the implications for your professional practice can help provide evidence towards the following dimensions of the UKPSF: A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, K2, K3, K4, V1, V2, V3, V4

Mathematics Learning Activities: Transition to HE
2019-11-29 10:00 - 16:00 | University of Wolverhampton
We are delighted to invite members of the sigma Network to join our FREE one day mathematics education meeting under the theme of “Mathematics learning activities – transition to HE”. The provisional programme is below:
10.00 Registration. Welcome. Coffee.
10.30 Keynote: Dr Kirsten Pfeiffer (University of Galway) “Proof evaluation as a learning activity”
11.30 Workshop: Ms Abigail Parkes (University of Wolverhampton) “Team-based learning for Mathematics”
12.30 Lunch
13.15 Keynote: Dr Jorge Bruno (University of Winchester) “Student-centred learning for inclusive practice – the mathematics perspective”
14.00 Sharing practice session
15.45 Closing remarks
16.00 End of event

Booking is now open at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mathematics-learning-activities-transition-to-he-tickets-75122020987
Any queries, please contact Liam Naughton l.naughton@wlv.ac.uk

Ideas Exchange in Statistics Teaching and Support in HE
2020-01-16 10:00 - 16:00 | Sheffield Hallam University
Do you have an interest in learning and teaching in statistics and/or statistics support in Higher Education?
This free event, hosted by Sheffield Hallam University and organised by the sigma-Network’s Special Interest Group in Statistics Support, aims to bring together like-minded colleagues to exchange ideas and share good practice related to learning and teaching in statistics and providing statistics support.
The morning session will focus on ideas for the use of technology in the teaching and assessment of statistics and/or the provision of statistics support. This will include interactive demonstrations on topics such as:
· Quizzes in the statistics classroom using free tools such as the Kahoot online polling system;
· Formative Numbas tests for the undergraduate statistics curriculum;
· Formative and summative testing of applied statistics using the DEWIS online system;
· Ideas for teaching how to choose the right statistical test and a new on-line test chooser;
The afternoon session will then focus on a series of short talks and related discussions offered by attendees at the workshop, who would like to share an idea related to learning and teaching in statistics and/or statistics support. These will last approximately 10 minutes with the aim of opening discussion relating to the talks. Attendees are invited to propose talks in the following areas:
a) The role of peer support in statistics learning or students as co-creators of knowledge. The role of peer support in student learning at Sheffield Hallam University and Coventry University will open discussion but offers to talk briefly about student involvement at your own institution are welcome. Coventry University use undergraduates within their Mathematics and Statistics Support Centre and Maths students at Sheffield Hallam have been working alongside academics to create student resources as well as provide peer support.
b) Open session – anything goes!
Attendance is free but numbers are limited and we anticipate the event will be very popular. Therefore we recommend registering as early as possible.
You can register for the event here: https://forms.gle/JcPCxefK8yc19FSV9
During registration we will encourage you to offer to give a 10 minute talk in the afternoon on an idea you would like to share. This can be on any topic related to learning and teaching in statistics or in providing statistics support. We are not expecting innovation, although that is always very welcome, more important is hearing how other people do what they do and sharing ideas others might want to try.
A final agenda for the day will be circulated once we have confirmed the final speakers for the morning and afternoon sessions.
Questions about the workshop should be directed to Ellen Marshall, Sheffield Hallam University and SIG Co-chair (ellen.marshall@shu.ac.uk) or Alun Owen, Coventry University, SIG Co-chair (aa5845@coventry.ac.uk).

Addressing maths/stats anxiety
2020-02-28 10:00 - 16:00 | University of Chester
The University of Chester is pleased to announce that we will be hosting a sigma Network workshop on Maths/Stats Anxiety at our beautiful Queen’s Park Campus on Friday 28th February. The event is aimed at all maths/stats support colleagues who work with students experiencing maths/stats anxiety and wish to learn more, and/or have something to share. The workshop is free to attend, with lunch and refreshments provided courtesy of The University of Chester.
Speakers planned for the day include:
*Keynote*: Sue Johnston-Wilder, University of Warwick “Raising awareness and addressing statistical anxiety”
Chetna Patel, De Montfort University
Ellen Marshall, Sheffield Hallam University
Lightning talks and discussion
Delegates are invited to submit a proposal for a lightning talk on the day’s theme, Maths/Stats Anxiety. Each talk should be no more than 8 minutes and provide one or two discussion points for delegates. Ideally, a small amount of interactivity within the talk would be great, too. A standard PC/projector set-up will be available for the lightning talks.
To register your interest for this free event, please complete this google form.
We look forward to meeting you in Chester.
Nick Goddard (Maths Skills Adviser, University of Chester)

sigma Online Support Workshop
2020-05-29 00:00 - 23:59 | Online
The impact the Coronavirus pandemic has had on all of our lives is unprecedented and, as educators, we have had to very quickly adapt our ways of teaching and learning. In order to see how teaching and learning has changed, we are hosting an online support workshop showcasing what institutions and practitioners of mathematics and statistics support are offering now compared to what they offered before.
The day will involve viewing different online support platforms, such as Microsoft Teams, Big Blue Button, Adobe Connect, YouTube Live Streaming and more, showcased by the practitioners who are using them now to support their students. The aim is to provide the community with ideas on how to provide online support, the pros and cons of each system, how to advertise services to get students using the provision, and generally discuss online maths and stats support.
To conclude the day, we will show the results of a survey regarding maths and stats support provisions since the pandemic began and discuss what it means for maths and stats support going forward.
(All times in BST)

10:00am – Welcome and Introduction through Big Blue Button. Mark Hodds, Coventry University
10:10 – Online Maths and Stats Support at Western Sydney University through Zoom, Donald Sherman & Jim Pettigrew
10:40 – A comparison of Online Whiteboard Software. Tom Goodale, Liverpool John Moores University
11:05 – BREAK
11:15 – Big Blue Button, Mark Hodds Coventry University
11:45 – Adobe Connect, Sue Pawley, OU
12:15 – Microsoft Teams, James O’Malley, Maynooth University
12:45 – BREAK
13:00 – BB Collaborate, Jenny Freeman, Hope Thackray, Pete Hart, and Marta Emmett, University of Sheffield
13:30 – BB Collaborate with Skype, Monica Hess and Noel Parnis, Brunel
14:00 – YouTube Livestreaming, Peter Klappa, Kent
14:30 – BREAK
15:30 – Issues surrounding online teaching and learning in maths and stats, a discussion
16:00 – Conclusions and Reporting of Online Provisions Survey results
16:30 – CLOSE

.

Registration for the event is now open. Please click this link: https://coventry.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/sigma-online-support-workshop to register.

sigma Newsletter – Autumn Edition 2020
2020-09-07 00:00 - 23:59
Due date

Coffee Morning and “One year on – what have we learnt?
2021-05-07 10:00 - 13:00 | Coventry University
The sigma Mathematics and Statistics Support team at Coventry University would like to invite you to a series of events that we are planning to run in May. The first will take place on Friday 7th May between 10am and 1pm (BST) and will be an informal coffee morning. We invite you to attend to discuss any matters regarding mathematics and statistics support over the past year and to reconnect with colleagues. There will be no formal agenda, just simply an opportunity for the community to get together and discuss any lessons that have been learnt over the past year, what you would like to see from future events, and anything else that you feel would be beneficial for the community. To join this meeting, you can simply click on this link here on the day, joining at any point and leaving at any point (a reminder will be sent nearer the time!).
The discussion in the coffee morning will also inform a more formal event we plan to run on Thursday 20th and Friday 21st May which will be entitled: “One year on – what have we learnt?” and coincides with the 1st anniversary of the online event we ran in May 2020. Here we will invite colleagues to present any work they have conducted over the past year, drawing on the lessons learnt from running online mathematics and statistics support sessions for a whole academic year. Furthermore, we will aim to include presentations on topics that arise from the discussion in the coffee morning. We will provide more details regarding the more formal event nearer the time

One Year On – What have we learnt? A Virtual Two-day event by Coventry University
2021-05-21 08:00 - 17:00 | Virtual
Dear colleagues,
Thank you to all those who came along to the coffee morning on Friday. I hope you found it useful and a good chance to catch up with people you may not have been able to connect with for a while. There was positive feedback, and it may be something we can continue with into the future. An aim of the coffee morning was to determine what colleagues would find most useful going forward in terms of workshops and presentations. Some of the key elements suggested were how can we improve engagement with students when working remotely, what are universities looking to do going forward from September, and what successful methods of online support have colleagues discovered over the last year. With these in mind, I would like to invite you to participate in our more formal 2-day meeting: “One Year On – What have we learnt?” on Thursday 20th and Friday 21st May from 10am – 1pm BST each day. Although it would be good to see presentations and discussions around the topics suggested, we are interested in hearing about any experiences that colleagues think would be useful to share from the past year.
If you would like to offer a 20-25 minute presentation, please complete the short form here: https://forms.office.com/r/GzaGAgntGF by Friday 14th May 5pm (BST). Presentations will take place on Microsoft Teams so you will need to ensure you have a log in for Teams to do so.
If you would like to attend the event, please complete this short form here: https://forms.office.com/r/jciWqMuttk by Wednesday 19th May 5pm (BST). Those presenting do not need to complete this form.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Kind regards,
Mark

Virtual sigma-Network “Coffee” Morning 17th May
2022-05-17 10:30 - 12:00 | Virtual
The agenda for the 17th is roughly as follows:
10.30-11.00am – Welcome, hello’s and an informal group discussion for themes/ideas/thoughts you would like to be explored/discussed etc.
11.00-11.40am – Smaller group meetings in breakout rooms to discuss particular themes/ideas emerging from the earlier discussion
11.40am-12.00pm – Reporting back with ideas for the Steering group and other volunteers to develop into an action plan.
Please refer to related email for joining link.

Coffee Morning – 20 Oct 2022
2022-10-20 10:30 | Virtual
Dear all,
We would like to invite you all to join us online on the morning of Thursday October 20th from 10.30am until 12pm for an informal “coffee” morning. This will be held on Teams and the link to join is here. Come along any time between 10.30 and 12 if you wish or join us for the full hour and a half:
Click here to join the meeting
The aim is to have these as a regular feature in the calendar as a chance to see some friendly faces and a have catch up.
The rough theme for this October coffee morning will be “This is how we do it”, so be prepared for lots of discussion on how various departments and institutions are now operating. Bring with you your success stories from the past few years, and some of the ways your style of work has changed to the benefit of students.
We will have breakout rooms for part of the session so you can join a room of your choice to meet with specific colleagues about topics you want to discuss or generally network with.
The agenda for the 20th is roughly as follows:
10.30-11.00am – Welcome, hello’s and catching up after the CETL-MSOR conference
11.00-11.40am – Smaller group meetings in breakout rooms to discuss particular themes/ideas emerging from the earlier discussion
11.40am-12.00pm – Checking in and reporting back from the small group discussions
We look forward to seeing you all there.
Sam
On behalf of the sigma-Network Steering Group
Samuel Walton (he/him)
Learner Developer
Centre for Academic Success
Education Development Service
Birmingham City University

The new normal: What does maths and stats support and teaching look like post pandemic?
2022-12-01 14:00 - 16:30 | Online
Online Event

14:00
Sue Pawley
The Open University
Welcome & Introduction.

14:05
Holly Gilbert
Coventry University
Maths and stats support in the ‘New Normal’: The practitioner and student perspective

14:20
Inna Namestnikova
Brunel University London
Maths and stats support and teaching at Brunel: back to campus? Overview of the new reality after returning to campus.
Slides

14:35
Robert Wilson
Cardiff University
Revitalising the mathematics community.

14:50
Lesley Davis
University of Leicester
Trying to reinstate our pre-pandemic offering of drop-in support within our new normal.
Slides

15:05
Alun Owen
Coventry University
The future of Maths and Statistics Support Post-Pandemic: The Coventry University Experience
Slides

15:30
Tea Break

15:45
Discussions
1. How to effectively combine online and in-person support.
2. How to increase student engagement in all forms of support.

16:30
Close

December Coffee Morning
2022-12-16 10:30 - 12:00 | Online
We would like to invite you all to join us online on the morning of Friday December 16th from 10.30am until 12pm for an informal “coffee” morning. This will be held on Teams and the link to join is here. Come along any time between 10.30 and 12 if you wish or join us for the full hour and a half:
Click here to join the meeting
The aim of this coffee morning is to:

Catch up with each other.
Have a go at some maths puzzles for Christmas.
Share anything that went well this last semester.
Or have a chat about anything else you want!

The agenda for the 16th is roughly as follows:
10.30-11.00am – Welcome and hello. Show off any Christmas jumpers. Have a go at some maths puzzles.
11.00-11.40am – Smaller group meetings in breakout rooms to show off anything that went well over the last semester.
11.40am-12.00pm – Checking in and reporting back from the small group discussions
We look forward to seeing you all there.
Emma, Ed and all of MASH at Bath

Supporting Students with Meta-Analysis and Qualitative Analysis
2023-01-27 10:00 - 16:00 | Coventry University
Free In-Person Workshop
Supporting Students with Meta-Analysis and Qualitative Analysis
Coventry University, Friday 27th January 2023 10:00am – 4:00pm
Organised by the sigma Network Statistics Special Interest Group (SIG)
This free in-person event, aims to offer staff CPD opportunities to develop a basic working knowledge of meta-analysis and qualitative analysis, in order to support students with these topics in the context of a maths and statistics support service. In addition, it offers the opportunity to network in-person with others working in statistics support and the event will close with a discussion around issues relating to statistics support. The programme for the day is attached and you can register at:
https://coventry.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/sigma-network-workshop-meta-analysis-and-qualitative-analysis
Spaces are limited so early registration is recommended.
There is no charge for this event and lunch and refreshments will be provided.
This is an in-person workshop, hosted by Coventry University and organised by the sigma Network’s Special Interest Group in Statistics Support,
The event is intended to be a hands-on staff development workshop with computer-based and group-based activities and so unfortunately can’t be offered online.
Information about travelling to Coventry University can be found at:
https://www.coventry.ac.uk/the-university/travel-directions-info/
Any further questions about the workshop should be directed to Alun Owen at: aa5845@coventry.ac.uk

Mathematics and Statistics Anxiety – 31 March 2023
2023-03-31 10:30 - 15:30 | Coventry University
This workshop will explore what Mathematics and Statistics Anxiety is and how to support students and staff who may suffer from them, as well as opportunity for discussion on your own experiences. The day will run from 10am to 3pm and lunch will be provided. Speakers already confirmed include:

Sue Johnston-Wilder, Associate Professor of Mathematics Education, University of Warwick, a world-leading expert on maths anxiety and building mathematical resilience through coaching
Janet Baker, School of Digital Education, Arden University, who completed a PhD investigating mathematics anxiety, particularly ways in which learners can cope with their negative emotions and learn mathematics successfully
Ellen Marshall, Sheffield Hallam University, investigating Statistics Anxiety
Telma Pará and Karina Lumena, PhD exchange students from Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil, researching into mathematical anxiety and resilience in Brazil and the UK
Farhana Gokhool, PhD student, Coventry University, researching into engagement with mathematics and statistics support and the impacts of maths anxiety and resilience on engagement.

Sigma Coffee Morning
2023-04-26 10:30 - 12:00 | Virtual
You are invited to join us for our online sigma coffee morning using the link below. Possible discussion topics might include:

those proceeding from the recent successful Maths and Statistics Anxiety event held at Coventry University
continuing the discussion on running Maths/Stats CPD for academic staff for whom these subjects are not their qualified area of expertise.

Any other topics? Drop Anthea Cowen a line at anthea.cowen@beds.ac.uk or bring them along on the day.

Embedding Maths & Stats Support
2023-05-17 13:00 - 16:00 | Online
We will be hosting an online event on Embedding Maths & Stats Support on Wednesday 17th May from 1pm to 4pm.
As a loose definition ‘embedded’ sessions sit somewhere between 1-1 appointments or drop-in support and the teaching of a whole module – but what you mean by the term might be an interesting starting point.
The aim is to share our experiences and to learn from each other. What do you do? What works? What are the challenges?

13:00
Welcome & Introduction
Lois Rollings
Middlesex University

13:10
Setting up a Maths and Statistics teaching service
Evi Papadaki &
Tamsin Smith
University of Bath

13:25
Embedding statistics in biology practicals and assessments
William Kay
Cardiff University

13:40
Working with Nursing lecturers
Anthea Cowen
University of Bedfordshire

13:50
Embedding maths support – getting started.
Emma Coutt
Heriot Watt University

14:05
Self-Selecting Statistics Support to Enhance Learners Experience
Victoria Herod
Manchester Metropolitan University

14:20
Break

14:40
Embedding “Math eg” links for practice
Dr Samira Al-Moustafa
Brunel University London

14:55
Embedding Maths and Stats support at Coventry University
Alun Owen
Coventry University

15:10
Discussion

15:45
Feedback and Closing remarks

sigma Coffee Morning Connect and Discuss “speed dating” style
2023-07-26 10:30 - 12:30 | Virtual
We would like to invite you to the next Sigma coffee morning on Wednesday 26th July 10:30am-12:00pm. There is an MS Teams link below (for you to add to your own calendars).
After a recent coffee morning we asked Sigma members to complete a questionnaire providing feedback including the reasons for attending. The two most popular reasons given were:

To hear about and discuss topical issues in our network
To connect with colleagues across institutions

The aim of this coffee morning is to allow attendees to do these two things.
“Speed dating” – how will the coffee morning work?
Initially all attendees will arrive in the main room using the link above. We will then randomly allocate you into a breakout room with two or three other attendees, where you can introduce yourself and talk about current issues. After 15 minutes all groups will return to the main room and be reallocated into different random groups for the next 15 minutes (and so on). By the end of the session, we hope you will have had the chance to get to know (or know better) several other Sigma members and have insight into what they do and the issues they have.
The following questions may be good starting points or helpful prompts to get the conversation flowing in each room (if this is required), but please take the conversation wherever you want it to go:

What’s your name and where do you come from?
Favourite parts of your job?
What is the biggest issue you are faced with at your institution?
What do you think maths support will look like in 5 years?
Where are you going on holiday?

If you want more details on how the event will work, what the purpose of it is and if you should attend, please drop an email to Susan Pawley at susan.pawley@open.ac.uk.

Maths Support Tutor Training
2023-09-05 09:30 - 13:00 | Virtual
The University of Greenwich, in conjuction with the sigma Network, is holding an online maths support tutor training session on Tuesday 5th September, 9:30am-1pm. The session has been arranged to train PhD students at the University of Greenwich who will be maths support tutors in the coming term, but we are very happy to accommodate any others who would like to attend. The session will use sigmamaterials and will be delivered by experienced maths support practitioners.
If you are interested please email Tony Mann at A.Mann@gre.ac.uk.

Accessibility SIG meeting
2023-11-03 10:00 - 10:45 | Virtual
The Accessibility SIG meet regularly to discuss the cognitive and affective barriers to maths learning and accessing maths support. We welcome new members.
