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MAT-30057 - Module Specification
School of Computing and Mathematics
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2023/24 Last Updated: 13 February 2024

MAT-30057 - Studies in Mathematics Education
Coordinator: Peter Wootton Tel: +44 1782 7 33767
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 6
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office: 01782 733075

Programme/Approved Electives for 2023/24

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2023/24

This module, conducted under the framework of the national Undergraduate Ambassadors Scheme (UAS), allowing for the undergraduates to gain academic credit for their work in schools and colleges. You will develop a range of skills and be presented with an opportunity to experience an early taste of teaching for those interested in pursuing teaching or training as a career. You will work in a school or college, once a week, for a duration of up to 6 months. This module will also help to inspire a new generation of prospective Mathematics undergraduates by providing role models for school pupils and to help improve student learning outcomes by providing extra assistance in the classroom. For further information see the UAS documentation http://www.uas.ac.uk/undergraduates.htm. Learning Outcomes and the course content are drawn from the UAS framework.

Aims
This module provides an opportunity for Level 6 students to gain first hand experience of teaching mathematics through a mentoring scheme with mathematics teachers in local schools and colleges. It is designed to help final year students gain confidence in communicating their subject and develop strong organisational and interpersonal skills that will be of benefit to them in employment and life. It will enable students to understand how to address the needs of individuals and devise and develop mathematics teaching materials appropriate to engage the relevant age group they are working with. This module provides the skills and opportunity to allow the student to act as an enthusiastic role model for pupils interested in mathematics and to offer the student a positive experience of working with pupils and teachers.

Intended Learning Outcomes

analyse and critically evaluate standard teaching methods in mathematics related subjects and as a consequence, prepare appropriate lesson plans and teaching materials: 1,2,3
critically reflect on their experience in the teaching environment and communicate this professionally to peers and staff, both in an oral presentation and in a written report: 1,2,3
evaluate interactions with students and staff, in both an academic and school setting, to provide and receive feedback at an appropriate level: 1,2,3
apply appropriate organisational, prioritisation and negotiating skills to ensure achievement of defined goals: 1,2,3
create strategies to handle difficult and potentially disruptive situations, based on the differing learning needs of individuals: 1,2,3

Study hours

8 hours in a one day training session.
6 hours of meetings with a supervisor at the University.
128 hours placement in a school or college for 1 day a week for around 16 weeks.
158 hours of independent study, including:
96 hours of preparation to placement activities;
16 hours of working on keeping the weekly logbook;
10 hours of working on final presentation;
36 hours of working on the final reflective report.

School Rules

Successful progression to FHEQ Level 6.
Interview by course co-ordinator where the student's motivation and suitability for the placement will be determined.
Successful completion of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Secured place in a school or college prior to the start of semester 1.

Description of Module Assessment

1: Report weighted 50%
End of module reflective report
At the end of the module, students are required to write a reflective report (3,000-4,000 words) based on their classroom experience, in which they analyse and reflect on what they have learnt from this. This report should draw on their weekly logbooks and also contain a description and evaluation of special activities that they have undertaken within the placement. This is marked by the University module staff.

2: Workbook weighted 30%
Logbook
Students will be expected to keep a weekly logbook, to help them keep an accurate record of what they do in their placement at the school or college. It will show that the student has attended the school the number of times required by the course and summarise key points regarding what the student did and the skills and experience they gained as they progressed through the placement. The logbook is marked by the University module staff, based in part on the teacher's confirmation that the logbook is an accurate reflection of what the student did and a standard UAS observation form completed by the teacher.

3: Coursework weighted 20%
End of module presentation
Students will be required to give a 10-minute presentation to the module staff and other students on the subject of their placement and the special activities that they undertook. This is marked by the University module staff.

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 13 February 2024