A novel approach to enhanced academic induction with the School of Mathematics.
Dr Pamela Docherty ([email protected])Dr Jenna Mann ([email protected])
Abby Shovlin ([email protected])
Student Experience Project
Or:Learning to Learn Maths
Student Experience Project
Problem:
• Students struggle transitioning into studying mathematics at university– Different ways of teaching
– Different ways of learning• Group work• Learning through mistakes
Student Experience Project
Aim:
• Build and nurture a sense of community for new maths students
• Develop resilience and confidence for learning at university
Student Experience Project
Results:
• Enhanced Academic Induction – 5 task stations focussing on specific skills/aspects
of study at university and how it differs from school/college
– Group-based activities– Separate Induction for those on Joint Honours
programmes– Embedded in School of Mathematics induction
framework
Student Experience Project
Station A:Study skills and
effective strategies
Station B: Communication
Station C: Reading and
writing mathematics
Station D:Talking points
Station E:MathsPALs
taster
1st
Results:
• 88% of students agreed or completely agreed it was enjoyable“…was great to make friends so early in the year”
• 87% of students agreed or completely agreed it was useful to them as new Maths students“…helped me understand that problems are part of learning”
Student Experience Project
So today…
10 mins for each station:• Station B– Written communication, group work, peer
reviewing (Lego®)
• Station D (v2)– Group listening, resilience
Student Experience Project
Feedback from Mathematics
• Building our academic community• Students engaging in group work right from
the start• Support mechanisms such as MathsBase,
MathPALS and our online discussion forum have seen higher use
• Retention?
Student Experience Project
Discussion questions?
• What are transition issues for your students?• Who are your students?– Where are they now, where do they/you want
them to be• What is your current induction programme?– Is it closed (information transmission, before
learning, singular, passive) or open (open, extended, activity based, part of learning)
• How much do PALs feature in your school?Student Experience Project
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