Lead Department
Mathematics, MTU Cork
Coordinated by
Julie Crowley (Julie.Crowley@mtu.ie)
Active members
10
Purpose
The Mathematics Learning Community was initiated to discuss, improve, and implement best practices for the Department of Mathematics.
Summary of Activities
The Maths Learning Community has been active for over 5 years and has regularly held professional development activities, instigated projects related to mathematics and developed resources beneficial to both lecturers and students.
- Hold regular committee meetings via Teams and in-person.
-
We have achieved much in this time frame and have done so by:
- Making the experience enjoyable for all involved
- Listening to everyone and recording their ideas
- Making the workload manageable, i.e. by aiming for the quieter periods of the academic year.
- May 3rd, 2022: Co-hosted a productive session with the Economics Learning Community, attended by 17 participants.
- January 9th, 2023: Delivered a workshop titled 'Maths Stories: Overcoming the Struggle' as part of the Conversations on Teaching and Learning (CoTaL) Winter Seminar Series.
-
Maths anxiety is a psychological phenomenon in which a person experiences fear, tension, or discomfort when faced with mathematical tasks or situations. It is a common problem among students in higher education, particularly in subjects that require a strong mathematical foundation such as physics, engineering, and economics. Maths anxiety can have a range of negative effects on a student's academic performance and well-being and can also have wider implications for a student's academic and career prospects.
The workshop was held at MTU's Bishopstown Campus. This included some Short Talks - view abstracts
-
- June 12th, 2023: Hosted the inaugural meeting of the Irish Branch of the Mathematical Resilience Network, which included a one-day workshop on developing awareness of maths anxiety. This psychological phenomenon affects many students, particularly in subjects requiring strong mathematical foundations, and the workshop provided insights into combating maths anxiety and enhancing the student experience.
Outputs
The following provide further information on some of the projects, funded by the TLU, and the outputs produced by this Learning Community:
- Transposition (Rearranging Equations) Project & Outputs
- MiC DROP@CIT: Mathematics in Context Developing Relevancy Orientated Problems @CIT
- Exams Statistics Calculator
- QUARTILES: QUestionnAiRes- Training in planning and Launching Effective Surveys
Additional Information:
The Maths Learning Community continues to create a positive and collaborative network, sharing best practices and exploring new ideas in maths education. It has fostered improved learning experiences for students, encouraged collaboration between departments and other Learning Communities, and raised awareness about maths anxiety.
