BA (Hons) Education and Mathematics course preparation

Write a short reflection of approximately 500 words on your own educational experiences in mathematics to date, focusing on the subject and outlining the positive and negative elements you have observed.

Try to analyse these and consider which aspects you believe to be the most important parts of your own teaching and learning experiences. What practices have prompted you to continue with this subject in Higher Education? What do you think might deter other pupils from studying mathematics? How did your peers perceive the subject? What do you think needs to change in mathematics education?

If possible, chat with a couple of friends or members of your family about their experiences – do you have common memories of inspirational teachers or lessons? Were there any contradictions between what you felt was effective?

Now watch this TED talk video, in which Joe Ruhl outlines his vision for inspirational education. You might find it useful to note down some of his key points. After watching, return to your personal reflection and make notes on the following:

• To what extent do Ruhl’s ideas correspond with your experiences? Are there any similarities or points of difference?
• Can you identify instances of the five C’s in your own reflections? If not, why not? Did these not form part of your own education?
• How much do you agree with Ruhl’s key arguments?
• How realistic is his vision? Are there any potential barriers to achieving this?

Education is in the news extensively at the moment and we would encourage you to engage with these debates. Issues such as strikes, exams and testing, or pupil wellbeing. When you watch politicians and journalists discussing education ask yourself the following questions:

• What is their main argument?
• What evidence are they basing this on?
• What motivates them to make these particular recommendations or position statements?
• Are you convinced by what they say, and if not, why not?

These questions will encourage you to become a critical thinker, a key skills of students of Education.

At Edge Hill, we encourage you to develop a commitment to social justice education, where all pupils can have access to and opportunities within education. Ainscough (2006) defines this inclusive practice as:

• An ongoing process in order to find better ways to respond to the needs of diverse communities
• Being concerned with the identification and removal of barriers to participation
• Ensuring the presence and participation of all students from all backgrounds
• A particular emphasis on individuals and groups who may be at risk of marginalisation, exclusion or under-achievement

As part of the course, we explore various dimensions which may impact on achievement, such as race, religion, class, gender, ethnicity, learning difficulties, or physical disability. Choose two of these groups and write a short piece explaining what barriers they may experience to education and how these barriers might be overcome.