SPIRIT Maths aimed to ascertain learner needs in mathematics and produce a range of evidence-based learning resources tailored to student cohorts.
The goals of SPIRIT Maths were to:
- Empower students to increase their mathematical abilities;
- Engage students in identifying and overcoming challenges they face in studying mathematics;
- Provide students with the tools and confidence to succeed in mathematics, and therefore in their chosen programme of study;
- Enhance the teaching and learning of mathematics within and across disciplines;
- Embrace the creation of digital resources as an integral medium for the teaching and learning of mathematics;
- Inform lecturers regarding the challenges students meet and help identify suitable learning tools.
- Provide our students with the opportunity to fulfil their potential and enable them to succeed in achieving their professional goals.
HOW DID THE PROJECT WORK TOWARDS ITS AIMS?
SPIRIT Maths used the student voice to inform and develop the teaching of mathematics at MTU Cork. The team designed and administered two surveys, pre and post-commencement of Emergency Remote Teaching (ERT) due to the COVID-19 pandemic, to accurately perceive and analyse the students’ voices. The surveys helped lecturers bridge the gap between anecdotal understanding of students' attitudes and the reality of the student experience.
We developed and tested a diagnostic test to assess students’ difficulties. This online diagnostic test generates an instantaneous personalised report and a targeted action plan.
Based on the outputs, a contextualised suite of digital resources was produced and embedded in Canvas, the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) in MTU Cork. We produced a huge suite of digital resources for all first year students that take a Maths module. These resources include Numbas questions. (Numbas is an e-learning platform which enables the learner to access banks of randomised questions which can provide hints and full solutions allowing for direct engagement and instantaneous feedback.) In addition, digital resources including H5P animations, and solution videos to exam questions were developed. To ensure a cohesive approach, the project team met bi-weekly to evaluate and plan progress and to report on work done.
Project Dissemination
It was the intention of the project to research and disseminate the development and impact of SPIRIT Maths within the sector, and this has been achieved with a range of conferences and papers, including:
- EAMS 2021: E-Assessment in Mathematical Sciences (July 2021)
- CETL-MSOR Conference (September 2021) (Two abstracts submitted)
- Irish Mathematical Society Conference (September 2021)
- MSOR Connections: Abstract: SPIRIT Maths – Targeted digital resources to support students
- MSOR Connections: Abstract: Non-mathematics undergraduates’ perceptions of mathematics and preferences for supporting digital learning resources in a Technological University
- IMS Bulletin SPIRIT Maths – A Project Overview (in preparation 08/2022)
How might this project develop over the next 2-5 years?
In the course of the project, invaluable digital learning resources have been developed that will be of direct benefit to MTU students. Given the digital nature of these resources and the stable Canvas VLE, only minimal maintenance will be required in future years.
These resources once rolled out will also be accessible and available to future cohorts of students. While some additional funding may be required to revise and maintain the resources developed, the diagnostic testing, survey questions and the framework for analysing the responses can also be used in future years at a lower cost and requirement for staff time.
Moreover, the experience of students and staff in the first year of operation of the project will point to possible improvements, and highlight the aspects of the project that are most beneficial. Feedback obtained in this way at the end of each year of operation of the project will help to revise, improve and strengthen the project for subsequent cohorts, helping staff to deliver course material effectively, and simultaneously helping students by placing the emphasis on those areas of their mathematics learning where they most need assistance.
The SPIRIT Maths team were successful in submitting and receiving funding to take the initiative to a new level as part of the Strategic Alignment Fund 2020 round of funding with SPIRIT Maths Extra
WHO ARE THE PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS?
The following are our team members -
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Dr David Goulding Head, Department of Mathematics, MTU Cork Email: david.goulding@mtu.ie
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Dr Violeta Morari Department of Mathematics, MTU Cork Email: violeta.morari@mtu.ie
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Dr Maryna Lishchynska Dept of Mathematics, MTU Cork Email: maryna.lishchynska@mtu.ie
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Dr J.P. McCarthy Department of Mathematics, MTU Cork Email: jeremiah.mccarthy@mtu.ie Website: jpmccarthymaths.com
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Dr Declan O ’Connor Department of Mathematics, MTU Cork Email: declan.oconnor@mtu.ie
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Dr Clodagh Carroll Department of Mathematics, MTU Cork |
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Dr Sean Lacey Department of Mathematics, MTU Cork |
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Declan Manning Deptartment of Mathematics, MTU Cork |
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Patricia Cogan Deptartment of Mathematics, MTU Cork |
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Dr Catherine Palmer Deptartment of Mathematics, MTU Cork |
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Dr Julie Crowley Deptartment of Mathematics, MTU Cork |
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Dr Shane O Rourke Deptartment of Mathematics, MTU Cork |
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Deirdre Marie Casey, Academic Learning Centre (ALC) & The Student Engagement Office (AnSEO), MTU Cork |
