Mathematics education research
The Mathematics Education Unit has been an integral part of the Department of Mathematics since 1992, covering a wide range of research topics pertaining to secondary and university mathematics education.
Research topics
Our staff are engaged in several research projects within the area of mathematics education.
Meaningful learning in mathematics and statistics
We carry out theoretical and empirical explorations into the fundamental processes involved in learning secondary and university level mathematics and statistics.
Our current research focuses on the learning experience and understanding of particular mathematical disciplines. We also study broader cross-disciplinary ideas in areas such as algorithms, conceptual growth, problem-solving, visualisation and more.
Mathematics and statistics lecturing and teaching
We have a rich history of research on mathematics and statistics lecturing and teaching in university and school settings.
The DATUM approach is an innovative professional development model for mathematics lecturers and other communities of practice. It allows educators to develop new pedagogies that extend their philosophies of teaching, learning and mathematics and statistics.
Design of mathematical and statistical resources
This research has a twin focus on practical design and theoretical innovation.
To enhance teaching and learning in schools and universities, we design practical resources; including dynamic visualisation software. Alongside these tools, we develop theoretical principles and explanations for how and why they work or don’t work.
Emerging researcher knowledge in mathematics education
The mathematics education research community is diverse. Given this diversity, how can we best support emerging researchers in mathematics education?
We draw on our own research experience, as well as our interactions with research students and colleagues to explore questions of researcher knowledge, background and practice.
Our researchers
Dr Tanya Evans
- Design, development, implementation, and evaluation of novel forms of assessment and pedagogical innovations (university and secondary levels)
- Mathematics explanation quality
- Mathematics and Affective Field (self-efficacy, academic achievement emotions (maths anxiety), motivation, interest, engagement)
- Pathways for underrepresented groups
- Professional development of mathematics teachers
Dr Igor' Kontorovich
- Mathematics education in secondary school and university
- Teaching and learning of threshold concepts and processes
- Mathematicians' research and teaching practices
- Online mathematical forums
- Creativity and giftedness in mathematics
Dr Ofer Marmur
- Undergraduate and secondary mathematics education
- Interaction of affect and cognition in mathematics learning
- The teaching and learning of Calculus and Real Analysis
- Teacher education
- The role of aesthetics in mathematical thinking
Associate Professor Caroline Yoon
- Stories in/about mathematics education
- Mathematical critique and feedback
- Kindness and nonviolence in mathematics education
- Mathematics and writing
Dr Stephanie Budgett (Statistics Department)
Dr Anna Fergusson (Statistics Department)
Notable visitors
The Department of Mathematics hosts many international visitors some of our notable visitors in the field of mathematics education include:
- Professor Keith Devlin (Stanford)
- Professor Matthew Inglis (Loughborough University)
- Professor Barbara Jaworski (Loughborough University)