The Staff and Educational Development Association.

Innovations in Mathematics Teaching

SEDA Publication No. 87 Ken Houston (Editor)

ISBN No. 0 946 815 88 7 ISSN NO. 0 141 4186

[Reviewed in:- Mathematics Support Newsletter, 3, 1995, pp 20-21; HE Digest, 23, Autumn 1995; The Lecturer, February 1996; Teaching and Learning Undergraduate Mathematics, 5, 1996, pp 6-8.]

This publication is a collection of 18 case studies which illustrate some of the innovative practices currently taking place in Higher Education Mathematics Departments across the United Kingdom.

Who is it for?

The paper is written for lecturers who teach mathematics in H.E., but it will also be of interest to colleagues in Further Education and Sixth Form Colleges.

What does it contain?

The following selection of case studies is not exhaustive but it does reflect the diversity of recent innovations in mathematics teaching:

1. Using Comprehension Tests.

2. Using Reading Activities.

3. Using Critical Reviews.

4. Teaching Calculus with DERIVE.

5. Mathematical Skills Maintenance with DERIVE.

6. Using MATHEMATICA with mathematics students.

7. Using MATHEMATICA with B.Ed. students.

8. Computer Based Testing and Assessment.

9. Computer Based Tutorials for Introductory Statistics.

10. Presenting a Lecture Course as a Sequence of Problems.

11. Mathematical Investigations.

12. Getting the most from Assignments.

13. Concept Questions in Mechanics.

14. Uniwide Modules for Non-Specialists.

15. Using Student Projects as a Peer Tutoring Resource.

16. Learning Contracts.

17. Using Posters for Communication and Assessment.

18. Using Video in Mathematical Presentations.

How can this paper be used?

The layout has been designed to keep the case study reports short, succinct and practical. At the front of the paper are tables which cross reference the case studies against:

• the characteristics of the teaching and learning strategies;
• the problems tackled;
• the skills and competencies developed.

How to obtain copies of the paper.

Price £12 each.

Email for an order form:

office@seda.demon.co.uk

Telephone or Fax for an order form.

Tel: +44 (0)121 440 5021

Fax: +44 (0)121 440 5022

(Note: No orders by phone, fax or email - your institution's official request form is required)

Send an official order, or a cheque payable to 'SEDA' to:

Jill Brookes, The Administrator, SEDA, Gala House, 3 Raglan Road, Birmingham, B5 7RA

PS Some copies are also still (8 Jan 1997) available from Ken Houston if SEDA have none left.