Introducing the SIGMA Mathematics

Following on from my article in the last Newsletter, which introduced mathematics support research in general [1], this article introduces the strategy for SIGMA’s mathematics support research programme and some of the other researchers who are involved in carrying out this programme. SIGMA’s Research Strategy SIGMA has devised a six point research strategy: To increase capacity and expertise in answering fundamental research questions to do with mathematics support, such as, what is mathematics support and in what forms does it appear? To carry our research into SIGMA’s new support initiatives, such as its proactive teaching programme [2] and its statistical advisory service [3]. To carry out educational research into mathematics support – a wider objective than the previous one which will explore educational theories, pedagogical theories and teaching methods relating to mathematics support. To engage with the UK Higher Education research community, including both mathematics support researchers and educational researchers. To increase and exploit SIGMA’s current research capacity, by following a systematic research strategy to develop research projects and themes and apply for new funding. To develop a repository of mathematics support research resources, where possible, to be made available at the SIGMA website. A full version of this strategy is published at the SIGMA website (www.sigma-cetl.ac.uk). It is a ‘working’ research strategy and is expected to evolve over time. Fig 1 – SIGMA websit