New Tutor Training at Leeds
2018-09-24 10:00 - 16:30 UTC | University of Leeds
Will your maths support centre be employing new tutors this year? For example, postgrad 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 Monday 24th September 2018, at the University of Leeds.
OUTLINE PROGRAMME
10.00 Arrive. Coffee. Introductions, aims of the day
10.30 What is maths support, why is it needed, how does it differ from traditional teaching?
11.30 Problem solving, simulation and role play
12.30 Lunch
13.30 Principles of maths support. Dos and Don’ts
14.00 The special case of Statistics Support
14.30 Dealing with challenging situations. Experiences from the shop floor.
15.30 Resources for maths support.
16.00 Reflection. Q&A. Professional development and the sigma Network.
16.30 Depart.
This training day is generously hosted by the University of Leeds Skills@Library, and will be delivered by David Bowers, Chair of the sigma Network. Anyone interested in attending, please contact Graham Weston G.C.S.Weston@leeds.ac.uk noting any special dietary or access requirements.

New Tutor Training at Greenwich
2018-09-21 10:00 - 15:00 | University of Greenwich
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 21st September 2018, at the University of Greenwich, from 10.00 am to 3.00 pm.
The day will follow sigma‘s established model of tutor training, and will cover:

Mathematics support – what is it?
Problem solving
Principles of mathematics support – do’s and don’ts
Exploring possible scenarios and student needs
Resources and networking

This training day is generously hosted by the University of Greenwich. Attendance is free, with a light sandwich lunch provided. Anyone interested in attending, please contact Tony Mann (A.Mann@gre.ac.uk) by 18th September to register, mentioning any access or dietary 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

Accessibility SIG resource working day 2
2018-08-16 09:30 - 16:00 | MASH University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY United Kingdom
Hosted by the Mathematics Resources Centre (MASH), University of Bath on Thursday 16th August, 9:30-16:00
Call for participants
The sigma Network Accessibility Special Interest Group aims to produce two sets of guidance resources on accessibility in a mathematics support context. The first set will be for mathematics and statistics support tutors and the second for those running mathematics support centres. We started to develop these resources at our first working day in March and we are looking for participants with relevant experience and expertise to continue the work at a second working day in Bath on Thursday 16th August.
Share your experience and expertise
We are looking for participants with experience of or expertise in one or more of the following areas in a mathematics/statistics learning and teaching context:

Mathematics/statistics anxiety
Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia and other SpLDs
Autistic Spectrum Conditions
Mathematics without pen and paper
Visual impairment
Supporting mature students
Supporting students with English as a second language
Supporting students with vocational entry qualifications in a selective context

We are also looking for participants with experience of or expertise in:

Selecting and using assistive technology in a mathematical/statistical context
Designing accessible mathematics support spaces

Resource production process
Roughly filled templates and current drafts will be available to read and work on prior to the working day. At the working day we aim to produce drafts and specific actions to continue the work beyond the day. Further working days may follow this one, depending on the progress made. The resources will be trialled in several mathematics support centres and then improved as necessary.
What participants might gain
This is an opportunity to work with colleagues who have similar research and development interests. For those working towards HEA Fellowship, participating in this process could help to provide evidence towards elements of the UK Professional Standards Framework. Finally, participants who take an active role in the process will be the listed authors/reviewers of the resources and will be offered co-authorship of any resulting publications.
Expressions of interest invited
To express interest in taking part in this process and in attending the working day on Thursday 16th August please email Emma Cliffe, E.H.Cliffe@bath.ac.uk and Clare Trott, C.Trott@lboro.ac.uk with a short summary of your area(s) of experience and expertise. Please note, you do not need to be a sigma member to participate.
Costs
Refreshments will be provided at the working day. We have a limited budget to support this work and we hope that in most cases participants’ institutions will be able to fund their travel. We may be able to provide limited subsidy of travel expenses for those with key expertise who would like to contribute but whose institution is unable to assist with travel costs. Please state if you would need this support in your email, the likely costs and the key expertise you are able to offer.
Draft schedule

9.30-10.00
Arrival with tea/coffee

10.00-10.30
Introduction to the SIG and the leaflets

10.30-11.15
Generating ideas

11.15-11.35
Coffee/tea

11.35-12.30
Writing

12.30-1.30
Lunch

1.30-2.45
Writing

2.45-3.05
Tea/coffee

3.05 – 4.00
Finalising leaflets

Using social media for maths and statistics support
2018-06-27 10:00 - 15:30 | Staffordshire University
The aim of this free one-day event is to provide ideas and inspiration to delegates as to how they can use social media to enhance their maths support provision, as well as giving confidence in using some of the most popular social media tools.
We are delighted to have an opening keynote presentation from Sue Beckingham (National Teaching Fellow) from Sheffield Hallam University. Sue has extensive experience in encouraging staff and students to adopt social media to support and enhance learning and will provide an inspirational start to the day.
This will be followed by ‘hands-on’ sessions in which attendees will be able to experience using various social media platforms first-hand. In addition, sigma Network members will present case studies to give further ideas for discussion.
Outline programme:
10.00 – 10.30 Arrive. Coffee. Introductions and networking
10.30 – 11.30 Keynote presentation (Sue Beckingham NTF). Using social media for learning. Discussion.
11.30 – 12.15 Practicalities of digital literacy: JISC, institutional policy, learning design & re-design.
12.15 – 13.15 Hands-on guided workshops – communication tools
Group 1: Twitter (Tweetdeck) and Facebook Groups
Group 2: WhatsApp and YouTube, screencasts and uploading video
13.15 – 14.00 Lunch
14.00 – 15.00 Hands-on guided workshops – collaboration tools
Group 1: Twitter (Tweetchat) and blogs (Edublogger)
Group 2: To be decided, based on interests of delegates when registering
15.00 – 15.30 Case studies from members of the sigma Network
15.30 – 15.45 Action planning
The event is free and a light lunch will be included. It will be held in The Beacon building, on the College Road site just two minutes’ walk from Stoke-on-Trent railway station. As our university has a green travel policy, we recommend you use public transport to visit us. However, if you do wish to drive, parking is available at our Leek Road campus (10 minutes’ walk from venue). Please let us know in advance so that we can arrange a temporary parking permit.
Booking:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/using-social-media-for-maths-and-statistics-support-tickets-44138572659
Arrival from 10am onwards for drinks. A light lunch will be served at 12:30.
Please notify us of any dietary needs/ accessibility requirements. If there are any particular social media tools you would especially like to become familiar with, let us know and we will aim to accommodate your requirements as far as possible.
HOST: Staffordshire University (Academic Skills Team, Library)
CONTACT: angela.evans@staffs.ac.uk

Mathematics and Statistics Support for Economics and Finance
2018-05-21 12:00 - 16:30 | Bournemouth University
The sigma Network is delighted to announce a workshop on “Mathematics and statistics support for Economics and Finance” hosted by Bournemouth University on Monday 21st May 2018, 12:00pm – 4:30pm
Mathematics and statistics are key subjects for students who study for a degree in Accounting, Finance or Economics. Are students fully aware of this? Are students willing and able to apply their existing mathematical knowledge to other disciplines like accounting, economics and finance? Students have different backgrounds and it can difficult to establish what is familiar to them and what is new. Therefore, designing an attractive unit for the entire cohort is quite challenging. Furthermore, how can we help students in the difficult process of transition from secondary school to university? What are the most effective models of maths and stats support? How can we efficiently use the range of resources available online?
This sigma workshop is intended to provide a chance for delegates to hear some examples of online platforms, projects, and resources for maths and stats related to the needs of economics and finance. We will share and discuss approaches adopted to teach and support quantitative methods, especially at undergraduate level, and identify approaches and resources that can be better utilised to enhance student engagement.
Attendance and the working lunch will be provided for free.
To register to attend, please use Eventbrite or email Marta Disegna (disegnam@bournemouth.ac.uk). If you have any dietary or access requirements or if you need a car parking space, please state it in the Eventbrite registration form note or in the email.
Schedule:
12:00 Arrival, registration and lunch
12:30 Welcome, David Bowers (Chair, sigma Network for Excellence in Mathematics and Statistics Support)
12:45 What is special about maths and statistics for Economics and Finance? (Bournemouth University staff)
13:30 Different resources for supporting mathematics and statistics skills in Economics and Finance, Francis Duah (University of York) and Martin Greenhow (Brunel University).
14:20 An Introduction to the Q-Step initiative, Steve Grundy (Q-Step Programme Manager, Nuffield Foundation)
14:45 Coffee & Networking.
15:15 Showcase and open discussion on attendees’ own teaching approaches and experiences of offering maths support to Economics and Finance students, with the opportunity to share good practice and reach out for advice. (Each attendee will have the opportunity to present ideas for promoting active learning that they have used in their teaching or support work. Please indicate if you would like to do this registration form.)
16:15 Action planning.
How can I apply today’s insights to my own teaching or maths support provision?
What future collaborative/developmental activities would be useful?
16:30 Closing remarks

_________________________________
Marta Disegna
Senior Lecturer in Statistics & Econometrics

The Business School
Bournemouth University
Executive Business Centre, 89 Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth, BH8 8EB
Tel: +44 (0)1202965455

Designing effective learning spaces for mathematics and statistics support
2018-04-25 10:30 - 16:00 | Sheffield Hallam University
Sheffield Hallam University, Norfolk Building, room 609.
The space in which students work and are supported by staff makes a significant difference to their engagement. Carefully designed shared open learning spaces can help create a partnership learning community within which student engagement can flourish.
The capacity for us as academics to design and create learning spaces for mathematics and statistics support is however often limited, but it is possible both to influence university thinking when new spaces are being designed and to make innovative use of existing space at minimal cost. When doing so, it can help to be able to identify successful approaches that have been adopted elsewhere.
This sigma workshop is intended to provide a chance for delegates to hear some examples of such successful practices and to discuss ways in which their own spaces can be better utilised to enhance student engagement.
Attendance is free.
To register to attend, please email Jeff Waldock (j.waldock@shu.ac.uk), stating any dietary or access requirements.

Schedule:
10:00: Arrival and registration.
10:30: Welcome
10:40: ‘Designing ideal open learning spaces to enhance student engagement with mathematics and statistics‘, Jeff Waldock (Sheffield Hallam).
11:10: ‘Finding space for Maths Support – making the most of what you’ve got‘. Tony Mann (Greenwich)
11:40: ‘Designing a new space for mathematics and statistics at the University of the West of England‘, Karen Henderson (UWE)
12:10: Lunch.
13:10: “Differing Approaches and Uses of Learning Spaces – their Strengths and Weaknesses“, Chetna Patel (De Montfort)
13:40: “Mobile Maths Support“, Simon Massey (Manchester Met)
14:10: Open “Show and Tell” session. This is an opportunity for delegates to review their own learning spaces and what they would like to be able to offer to their students and staff, and to reflect on approaches towards achieving these goals.
15:30: Closing remarks – are we closer to identifying how to achieve an ideal learning space in different contexts?

Statistics Training for Mathematics and Statistics Support Tutors
2018-04-20 10:00 - 16:00 | Coventry University
The sigma Network Special Interest Group (SIG) in Statistics Support is delighted to announce a workshop on ’Statistics Training for Mathematics and Statistics Support Tutors’, being held on Friday 20th April 2018, 10:00am – 4:00pm at Coventry University.
This free event offers an overview of Meta-Analysis and Factor Analysis. These have been highlighted as two topics that students are increasingly asking for assistance with in the context of in mathematics and statistics support. Unfortunately many support staff report having little or no expertise or experience of these topics. The aim of the workshop is therefore to provide mathematics and statistics tutors with an overview of these two topics, where the focus will be as much on how to assist students with them as it is on technical content.
The event is hosted by Coventry University’s sigma Centre and closes with an open discussion about issues relating to mathematics and statistics support. Hence there will be opportunities to look at the mathematics and statistics support facilities offered at Coventry University and to also network with other mathematics and statistics support staff with interests in this area.
Everyone is welcome to attend and can register for free by emailing Alun Owen at aa5845@coventry.ac.uk with the following information:

Name and work contact details including email and telephone number
Any specific access or dietary requirements required on the day
If you require car parking (please provide car make, model and reg no.)

An indicative programme for the workshop is provided below.
10:00am – 10:25am Arrival, registration and refreshments
10:25am – 10.30am Welcome and Housekeeping
10:30am – 12:30pm An overview of Meta-Analysis, David Bowers
• General principles and underlying theory
• Using computer software for meta-analysis
• Examples and case studies
• Commonly asked questions from students
12:30pm – 1.15pm Networking Lunch
1.15pm – 3.15pm An overview of Factor Analysis, Jonathan Gillard
• General ideas behind factor analysis
• How to implement a factor analysis in SPSS and R
• Examples of when a factor analysis would be appropriate
3.15pm – 4.00pm Open Discussion
• Emerging issues in mathematics and statistics support
• Maths and Stats support in action – a visit to Coventry University’s sigma Centre

Measuring the impact of Mathematics Support
2018-04-17 10:30 - 16:00 | Cardiff University
There will be a free sigma Network workshop on “Measuring the impact of Mathematics Support” at Cardiff University on Tuesday 17th April 2018, 10:30am – 4:00pm.
Measuring the effectiveness of learning and teaching is known to be challenging at all levels of education. However, evidencing the “impact” of activities in Higher Education continues to be given increasing focus and importance. This workshop will provide opportunity to explore what is meant by impact in the context of Mathematics Support and what approaches can be taken to meaningfully support the future development of such services. The workshop will also include extensive opportunity to share best practice and investigate the potential for future collaborative working in this area.
The workshop and buffet lunch will be provided for free.
To register, please email Robert Wilson (wilsonrh@cardiff.ac.uk), noting if you have any specific dietary requirements or if you require car parking space (note: limited parking is available).
Outline schedule:
10.30-11.00: Coffee, welcome, and introductions
11.00-12.00: Measuring the impact of mathematics support in higher education in Ireland – Ciaran Mac an Bhaird (Maynooth University)
12.00-13.00: What are we trying to measure? Experiences from an established mathematics support service – Robert Wilson/David McConnell (Cardiff University)
13.00-14.00: Lunch and networking
14.00-15.00: Structured knowledge exchange session
15.00-16.00: Maths Support – NSS – TEF . . . What’s next?
16.00: Close

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, K2, K3, K5, K6, V1, V2, V3, V4

Accessibility SIG resource working day 1
2018-03-26 09:30 - 16:00 | Eureka Centre For Mathematical Confidence Schofield Building. Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU United Kingdom + Google Map
Hosted by the Eureka Centre For Mathematical Confidence, Loughborough University on Monday 26th March, 9:30-16:00
Call for participants
The sigma Network Accessibility Special Interest Group aims to produce two sets of guidance resources on accessibility in a mathematics support context. The first set will be for mathematics and statistics support tutors and the second for those running mathematics support centres. We are looking for participants with relevant experience and expertise to help develop these resources, starting with a working day in Loughborough on Monday 26th March.
Share your experience and expertise
We are looking for participants with experience of or expertise in one or more of the following areas in a mathematics/statistics learning and teaching context:

Mathematics/statistics anxiety
Dyslexia
Dyscalculia
Autistic Spectrum Conditions
Mathematics without pen and paper
Visual impairment
Supporting mature students
Supporting students with English as a second language
Supporting students with vocational entry qualifications in a selective context

We are also looking for participants with experience of or expertise in:

Selecting and using assistive technology in a mathematical/statistical context
Designing accessible mathematics support spaces

Resource production process
Roughly filled templates will be distributed prior to the working day. At the working day we aim to produce drafts and specific actions to continue the work beyond the day. Further working days may follow this one, depending on the progress made. The resources will be trialled in several mathematics support centres and then improved as necessary.
What participants might gain
This is an opportunity to work with colleagues who have similar research and development interests. For those working towards HEA Fellowship, participating in this process could help to provide evidence towards elements of the UK Professional Standards Framework. Finally, participants who take an active role in the process will be the listed authors/reviewers of the resources and will be offered co-authorship of any resulting publications.
Expressions of interest invited
To express interest in taking part in this process and in attending the working day on Monday 26th March please email Emma Cliffe, E.H.Cliffe@bath.ac.uk and Clare Trott, C.Trott@lboro.ac.uk with a short summary of your area(s) of experience and expertise. Please note, you do not need to be a sigma member to participate.
Costs
Refreshments will be provided at the working day. We have a limited budget to support this work and we hope that in most cases participants’ institutions will be able to fund their travel. We may be able to provide limited subsidy of travel expenses for those with key expertise who would like to contribute but whose institution is unable to assist with travel costs. Please state if you would need this support in your email, the likely costs and the key expertise you are able to offer.
Draft schedule

9.30-10.00
Arrival with tea/coffee

10.00-10.30
Introduction to the SIG and the leaflets

10.30-11.15
Generating ideas

11.15-11.35
Coffee/tea

11.35-12.30
Writing

12.30-1.30
Lunch

1.30-2.45
Writing

2.45-3.05
Tea/coffee

3.05 – 4.00
Finalising leaflets

Employability development for HE mathematics and statistics
2018-02-16 10:00 - 16:00 | Sheffield Hallam University
Workshop at Sheffield Hallam University, Friday 16th February 2018 from 10am-4pm.

All stakeholders in Higher Education are increasingly aware of the importance attached to the additional skills students should be gaining at university, over and above their course-specific skills. Students are concerned that courses will provide them with the full range of skills necessary to successfully gain graduate level employment. This presents challenges for those involved with maths and stats support and for those designing curricula for mathematics and related subjects. These include how to prepare students for graduate numeracy testing, how to develop careers awareness and career management skills and how to develop skills through alternative approaches to learning, teaching and assessment.

A guide to employability and a collection of case studies on this theme have been prepared by the sigma Network Employability Special Interest Group and published as a booklet Employability development for HE mathematics and statistics. This launch event for the booklet will feature talks by several of the case study authors.

Attendance is free. To register to attend, please email Peter Rowlett p.rowlett@shu.ac.uk stating any dietary or access requirements.

Schedule:
10:00 Arrival and registration.
10:30 ‘Employability in the HE mathematics curriculum’, Jeff Waldock (Sheffield Hallam University).
11:15 ‘Refresh Your Maths’, Julia Paci (University of Exeter).
11:45 ‘Valuing and fostering communication skills: a dispersed approach’, Carol Calvert (Open University).
12:15 Lunch.
13:15 ‘Developing employability for engineering students’, Jonathan Cole (Queen’s University Belfast).
13:45 ‘A Placement Learning Programme for Mathematics’, Dafydd Evans (Cardiff University).
14:15 Break.
14:45 ‘Employability sessions for Mathematics students’, Karen Henderson (University of the West of England, UWE Bristol).
15:15 ‘Skills development through group projects in mathematics’, Peter Rowlett (Sheffield Hallam University).
15:45 Closing remarks.
16:00 Close.
This workshop is supported by the sigma Network through its Employability Special Interest Group.

New tutor training at Cardiff
2017-10-06 10:30 - 15:30 | Cardiff University
Will your maths support centre be employing new tutors this year? For example, postgrad students or academic staff who are new to the practice of maths support in HE?
The sigma Network is offering a FREE one-day training workshop for new maths support tutors on Friday 6th October 2017, at Cardiff University, School of Mathematics (10.30am – 3.30pm: Buffet lunch will be included). Anyone interested in attending, please contact me directly on wilsonrh@cardiff.ac.uk (do not reply to list) noting any special dietary requirements.
Rob Wilson
Cardiff University
School of Mathematics

New Tutor Training at Greenwich
2017-09-11 12:00 - 16:30 | University of Greenwich
The staff of the Maths Support Centre at the University of Greenwich are running a training event for their new PhD students who will be providing maths support in the coming academic year.
The event runs from 12.00 to 16.30 (approx) on Monday 11th September 2017. Other universities who also use postgrad students to provide maths support are welcome to send them along to join in this training. However, places are limited.
Please contact Tony Mann, Director of Greenwich Maths Centre, if you are interested: a.mann@gre.ac.uk

Introduction to Numbas
2017-08-31 10:30 - 16:30 | University of Bath
Free sigma workshop: Introduction to Numbas
Hosted by the Mathematics Resource Centre, University of Bath on Thursday 31st August, 10:30-16:30.
Overview
Numbas is a free and open source platform for authoring of mathematical questions. Features include:

randomised content
LaTeX rendering of mathematical notation while you type
instant feedback to students on tests
regeneration of randomised practice questions for students

Aims
This event will provide:

a hands-on introduction to Numbas, including logging on to the mathcentre editor, selecting questions to make tests, and writing your own questions.
a resource swap shop. Opportunity for all delegates to share information on a resource they use.
information about using Numbas to fill the gaps in mathcentre.

The workshop will be primarily led by Christian Lawson-Perfect (e-Learning Officer, School of Mathematics and Statistics, Newcastle University).
Schedule

10:30
Arrival and refreshments

11:00
Numbas Part 1

12:45
Resource swap shop

13:15
Lunch and networking

14:00
Numbas Part 2

15:45
mathcentre: filling the gaps using Numbas

16:30
Departure

Further information
For further information, including travel, refreshments, computing requirements, access and contact information please download the full information document.
Registration
For those working towards HEA Fellowship, attendance at and engagement with this event, and reflection on its implications for practice, could help to provide evidence towards elements of the UK Professional Standards Framework: A1, A3, A5, K2, K4, V1
Please register at: https://goo.gl/forms/ZexiAlZAOonxajhx1

Beyond Engineering Maths: teaching mathematics and statistics to engineers in the 21st century
2017-07-13 09:00 - 16:00 | Loughborough University
Free sigma Workshop
Beyond Engineering Mathematics: Teaching Mathematics and Statistics to Engineers in the 21st Century
13 July 2017, Loughborough University
The engineering profession has undergone huge changes in the last 30 years, including a greater emphasis on working with data and with software. However, the teaching of mathematics and statistics to engineers has remained quite traditional.
This meeting is aimed at those teaching engineers in higher education whether in a frontline or support context. The goals for this meeting are:
· To understand the changing landscape for engineering mathematics and statistics
· To suggest ways forward for improving materials to support the teaching and learning of mathematics and statistics of importance in 21st century engineering.
Tentative Schedule:
9:00 Coffee and Registration
9:30 Introductions and Welcome, Dr. Eugenie Hunsicker, Service Teaching Coordinator, Loughborough University
9:40 Keynote talk: “Creative Convergence”, Tim Davis, CStat, CEng, FIMechE, Honorary Professor in Department of Statistics at Warwick University, Chief Analytics Officer at We Predict Ltd.
10:40 Coffee break
11:00 Three short talks on innovations in engineering teaching
12:30 Lunch
1:30 Past, present and future resources: David Green, Alun Owen, and Eugenie Hunsicker
2:00 Panel Discussion with working engineers and engineering academics: What mathematics and statistics knowledge and skills are needed for 21st century engineering?
3:00 Coffee and breakout discussion (writing on large sheets of paper)
3:45 Feedback from breakout session
4:00 Close
For those working towards HEA Fellowship, attendance at and engagement with this event, and reflection on its implications for practice, could help to provide evidence towards elements of the UK Professional Standards Framework: A1, A4, A5, K1, K2, K6, V1, V3, V4.
If you would like to attend please register interest by emailing Nicola Timson, N.A.Timson@lboro.ac.uk.

Mathematics Education beyond 16: Pathways and Transitions
2017-07-10 09:00 - 2017-07-12 15:00 | University of Birmingham
A conference of the IMA, CETL-MSOR and Teaching Mathematics and its Applications.

Maths and Specific Learning Differences
2017-06-09 10:00 - 15:00 | University of Aberdeen
SMSN (Scottish Maths Support Network) together with ADSHE Scotland (Association for Dyslexia Specialist in Higher Education) are holding the 1st Scottish Symposium on Maths and Specific Learning Differences at University, on 9th of June 2017, at the University of Aberdeen. This symposium is open to lecturers, tutors and advisers with an interest in Maths and/or Specific Learning Difference (SpLD) support at university. The purpose of the meeting is to look at different models of collaborative work with a view to developing good practice guidelines. The programme of the event is available here.

Statistics Resource in a Day
2017-04-21 09:45 - 16:30 | Birmingham City University

Dyscalculia, Numeracy and Maths Anxiety
2017-04-12 09:30 - 15:30 | Loughborough University
Keynote speakers: ·
Professor David Sheffield: Brief Interventions for maths anxiety
Peter Jarrett: The assessment of dyscalculia and maths learning difficulties
There will also be a range of parallel workshop sessions and some case studies:
Maths and statistics anxiety in higher education
Strength and Knowledge: developing self-realisation and perceived limit breakthroughs in mathematics students
Practical Strategies to Support Students with Dyscalculia/Maths Learning Difficulties in Higher Education
From Engineering to Fine Art: supporting dyscalculic students
Dyscalculia in the Workplace

Cost: £160, Credit card only
All rooms have disabled access and disabled car parking is available
Further details and booking http://store.lboro.ac.uk/browse/extra_info.asp?compid=1&modid=2&deptid=267&catid=118&prodid=395

Maths and statistics support in the age of “big data”
2017-03-13 12:00 - 16:30 | Essex University, Colchester Campus
The sigma Network and the University of Essex invite you to a FREE event to explore how HE maths support provision can respond to the demands of “big data”. Increasingly it is not just STEM students who need mathematical skills – the quantification of the humanities and social sciences requires students in those areas also to be able to deal confidently with data and statistics.
The event will be introduced by two speakers with considerable experience in this field. Participants will then share their own experiences of how they are supporting students in their quantitative skills. All participants should go away with new insights, ideas and action plans for enhancing their own maths and statistics support provision.
Click here for full details and how to reserve a place.

Using Latex
2017-01-26 11:00 - 15:30 | University of Glasgow
The Scottish Maths Support network is organising a workshop on using Latex for writing documents on Thursday the 26th of January 2017, at the University of Glasgow. The workshop is aimed at people with little or no experience with LaTeX.
The workshop will run from 11:00 to 15:00 and lunch will be providing. We are asking participants to bring their own device with a LaTeX editor installed prior to attending the event.
If you would like to attend the workshop, please register before Friday the 13th of January using the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/scottish-maths-support-network-workshop-writing-documents-with-latex-tickets-30114935583.
Feel free to forward the invitation to any interested party in your institution. An agenda and travel information will be sent out nearer the time.

Learning support in STEM
2017-01-12 09:30 - 16:30 | University of Sheffield
Learning support in STEM: Learning differences and teaching innovations conference
Thursday 12th January 2017, University of Sheffield
This one-day conference at The University of Sheffield brings together academics, practitioners, and students to discuss STEM innovations and learning support in higher education. This promises to be an exciting, cross-disciplinary event which will consider some of the issues surrounding STEM support and address how academic staff and practitioners can support students to reach their academic potential. Delegates will learn about the impact of a range of learning difficulties and how to improve their teaching practice to make it more inclusive as well as innovative methods for teaching and supporting STEM students.
Full details are available on this leaflet.

Training workshop for new maths & stats support tutors
2017-01-05 10:30 - 16:00 | De Montfort University
This free one-day training workshop will be of interest to new maths support tutors and PGRs employed to provide maths and statistics help. Tutors not so new are welcome as well and their sharing of experience would be a valuable contribution to the day.
To reserve a place on this FREE workshop please book here alternatively email chetna.patel@dmu.ac.uk with your Full name, Institute, contact details and any special requirements by the 4th Jan 2017, 1pm.
Download full details here

Maths Support through Embedded Classes
2016-11-16 12:30 - 16:45 | London South Bank University
If you are involved in the provision of mathematics and/or statistics support in Higher Education, this event will give you the opportunity to share your experience with colleagues from other HE institutions. The event will mainly emphasise support delivered through embedded classes. The aim is to share best practices, to enable participants to network and to develop “action plans” for the provision of maths support in your institution, possibly through an embedded approach.

Training for new maths support tutors
2016-11-07 10:00 - 15:00 | Lancaster University
Training for new maths support tutors – 7th November 2016 | sigma Mathematics and Statistics Support Network

The sigma Network is offering a FREE one-day training event for new maths support tutors on Monday 7th November 2016 at Lancaster University Management School.
This training is based on a well-established package developed by sigma and successfully delivered many times in recent years. The indicative content of the day will be:
10.00 Arrive. Coffee.
10.30 Introductions. Aims of the day.
11.00 Maths support – what is it, why do we need it , how does it differ from traditional teaching?
11.45 Problem solving sessions. Role play.
12.30 Principles of maths support – dos and don’ts
13.00 Lunch
13.30 The special case of statistics support
14.00 Dealing with challenging situations.
14.30 Resources available for maths support centres
15.00 Close. Informal networking
To reserve a place on this FREE course, please send an email with your full name, institution, contact details and any special requirements to Rebecca Beaumont, Student Learning Adviser, Lancaster University r.beaumont1@lancaster.ac.uk

Training day for new maths support tutors
2016-10-11 10:00 - 16:00 | Kings College, London
Will your maths support centre be employing new tutors this year? For example, postgrad students or existing lecturers who are new to the practice of maths support in HE?
The sigma Network is offering a FREE one-day training event for new maths support tutors on Tuesday 11th October 2016, at King’s College London.
This training is based on a well-established package developed by sigma and successfully delivered many times in recent years. The indicative content of the day will be:
10.00 Arrive. Coffee. 1
0.30 Introductions. Aims of the day.
11.00 Maths support – what is it, why do we need it , how does it differ from traditional teaching?
11.45 Problem solving sessions. Role play.
12.30 Principles of maths support – dos and don’ts
13.00 Lunch
13.30 The special case of statistics support
14.00 Dealing with challenging situations.
15.00 Resources available for maths support centres
15.30 Q & A. Coffee and networking
To reserve a place on this FREE course, please send an email with your full name, institution, contact details and any special requirements to Shahzeena Ahmad, Head of Study Skills, King’s College London shahzeena.ahmad@kcl.ac.uk by 4th October. Joining instructions will then be sent out.

Supporting postgraduates who tutor in maths support centres
2016-10-06 10:30 - 15:30 | Cardiff University
The sigma Network in South West England and South Wales is offering a FREE training day for people new to tutoring in maths support centres, on Thursday 6th October 2016 at Cardiff University.
While aimed primarily at postgrad students, who are often deployed as maths support tutors, the day is equally relevant for anyone who is starting out in a mathematics or statistics support role in higher education.
This training is based on a well-established package developed by sigma and successfully delivered many times in recent years.

Annual General Meeting
2016-09-06 16:30 - 17:00 | Loughborough University
Notice is hereby given of the inaugural Annual General Meeting of the sigma Network.
Date: Tuesday 6th September 2016, at 16.30
Place: Loughborough University (within the programme of the CETL-MSOR Conference)
This inaugural AGM will confirm the future role of the sigma Network as a professional association for those involved with mathematics and statistics support in Higher Education, as a direct continuation of sigma’s work as a funded project in recent years. All attendees of CETL-MSOR, and all members of the sigma-network Jiscmail list, are invited to attend the AGM and support the proposals for the future development of the sigma Network.
AGENDA
1) Chair’s Report
2) Ratification and adoption of the Constitution
3) Ratification of membership of the Steering Group for 2016/17
4) Any Other Business (to be submitted to chair@sigma-network.ac.uk by 2nd September 2016)

Enhance your maths and statistics support – 5th September 2016
2016-09-05 09:45 - 15:30 | De Montfort University
The Maths Learning Centre at De Montfort University is hosting a one-day staff development event for new and experienced mathematics and statistics support tutors on Monday 5th September 2016.
The course focuses on some perennial topics faced by maths support staff, and includes presentations from established and experienced members of the sigma Network :
(a) Supporting students with their statistics projects (including choice of hypotheses tests, using SPSS)
(b) Helping to prepare students for numerical reasoning tests
(c) The particular support needs of nursing students (drug dose calculations, etc)
The event is free to attend for members of the sigma Network. Further details click here..

Mathematical literacy, sigma SW&SW – 12th July
2016-07-12 10:30 - 16:00 | University of Exeter
The sigma South West & South Wales Hub is hosting a meeting on ‘Mathematical literacy‘ at the University of Exeter on Tuesday 12th July 2016 from 10:30 – 16:00.
The meeting is suitable for any member of staff or postgraduate tutor involved in mathematics or statistics teaching or support in higher education.
There is no charge for attending this event and refreshments and lunch will be provided. For further information about the meeting, including a full schedule of the day, and to register your attendance please see: http://www.bath.ac.uk/study/sigma-sw/events/literacy-2016.html
For those working towards HEA Fellowship, attendance at and engagement with this event, and reflection on its implications for practice, could help to provide evidence towards elements of the UK Professional Standards Framework: A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, K2, K3, K4, V3
For further information please contact Emma Cliffe, mash@bath.ac.uk

Location, Location, Location! – sigma Midlands meeting 11 July 2016
2016-07-11 12:00 - 16:30
The next sigma Midlands meeting ‘Location, Location, Location‘ will be held at the Telford campus of the University of Wolverhampton on Monday 11th July 2016. The meeting is suitable for any member of staff or postgraduate tutor involved in mathematics or statistics teaching or support in higher education.
Confirmed speakers include David Bowers from sigma, who will be considering the administrative location of a maths support centre, whether that be within academic services, library or a maths academic department and Ian Jarman from LJMU, who reported a huge increase in visits by physically moving the maths support centre.
Indicative Schedule for the meeting is:
12 – 1pm Registration and Lunch
1 – 1:45pm Maths Support – Library or Academic Department service
1:45pm – 2:30pm Best placed to exploit student footfall
2:30pm – 3pm Coffee Break
3pm – 3:45pm Moving a maths support centre – where to?
3:45pm – 4:30pm Networking and close.
There is no charge for attending this event and refreshments and lunch will be provided. Email Ruth Fairclough, r.fairclough@wlv.ac.uk to confirm your booking and please indicate if you have any special dietary requirements.
There is plenty of free parking at Telford campus, and it is a 2 minute taxi ride from Telford Central train station. Please see http://www.wlv.ac.uk/about-us/contacts-and-maps/all-maps-and-directions/map-and-directions-for-telford-innovation-campus/ to help plan your trip to us.
Kind regards, Ruth Fairclough
sigma Midlands Coordinator
