Resources for Maths Support

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Resources for Maths Support
Dr Tony Croft Director, Mathematics Education
Centre Loughborough University
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Resources for Maths Support

• Some background - why I think some form of maths
  support is necessary
• Why there is, at last, some hope
• Resources which are available now
• Resources which should be developed (particularly
  for the ICS community)

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Background
In the early nineties lots of anecdotal evidence
emerged of problems with mathematics at the
transition By the mid-nineties we had several
substantial reports
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Background
Tackling the Mathematics Problem, London
Mathematical Society (1995) the perception of
a marked change in mathematical preparedness even
amongst the very best applicants (p.1). and
the profound concerns of those in higher
education about the mathematical background of
students applying for courses in mathematics,
science and engineering (p.1).
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Background
The Changing Mathematical Background of
Undergraduate Engineers, Sutherland and Pozzi
(1995) Students are now accepted on engineering
degree courses with relatively low mathematics
qualifications in comparison with ten years ago
(p.5).
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Background
In its inquiry into undergraduate physics, the
Institute of Physics (2001) reported changes
in the nature of mathematics courses at school
level have led to students being less proficient
and confident in the mathematical skills required
by physics degree courses (p. 5).
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Background
Review by Sir Gareth Roberts, SET for success
(2002), drew attention to issues relating to
problems with students transition to higher
education. These include mismatches between
school-level physical sciences and mathematics
courses and undergraduate courses in related
subjects which prevent some students making the
transition to higher education smoothly (p.
81).
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Background
It is now widely accepted that there is a maths
problem in the UK Smith, A. (2004) Making
Mathematics Count The report of Professor
Adrian Smiths Inquiry into Post-14 Mathematics
Education.
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Why there is some hope
The government has responded positively and
promised several initiatives. The first of these
was the appointment in September 2004 of a
maths czar Professor Celia Hoyles There will
also be a National Centre for Excellence in
Mathematics Teaching
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Resources available now
Though the government response has been
positive we cant wait.
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Resources available now

• Paper based material MathsTEAM Case
  Studies Facts Formulae leaflet Refresher
  booklets
• Guides

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Resources available now

• On disk/online materiale.g. mathcentre
  mathtutor

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What resources should be developed for the ICS
community ?

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The future .