ERIC Number: EJ1445361
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024-Sep
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0268-3679
EISSN: EISSN-1471-6976
Recognizing Professional Development of Mathematics and Statistics Learning Support Staff
Ciaran O'Sullivan; Michael Grove; Ciarán Mac an Bhaird; Peter Mulligan; Kirsten Pfeiffer
Teaching Mathematics and Its Applications, v43 n3 p204-222 2024
Tutors play an important role in effective Mathematics Learning Support, and ensuring good initial training and development is key. Typically, in the UK and Ireland, tutors do not gain any formal recognition for the training they receive. This paper details a four competences model of training for tutors and presents the analysis of feedback from 11 tutors and two staff involved in piloting the model at two institutions. The model, which is informed by professional development guidelines, consultation across the mathematical sciences community, and enabled by a national Mathematics Learning Support Network, provides immediate recognition of the professional development undertaken and is amenable to formal accreditation. A structure of four digital badges is used to assign immediate value to the training and development of tutors. To add further value for tutors, a capstone tutor badge has been established for those completing all four competences. Thematic analysis of feedback from the piloting of the model identifies three overarching themes: the importance of community, developing as a professional, and motivating and enabling professional development. Although primarily of interest to those involved in Mathematics Learning Support, the innovative structure of the model and the insights gained from its piloting are such that it offers potential for genuine transferability across other subject disciplines.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Tutor Training, Tutors, Tutoring, Professional Development, Professional Recognition, Recognition (Achievement), Mathematics Instruction, Program Development, Program Evaluation, Pilot Projects, Sense of Community, Instructional Innovation
Oxford University Press. Great Clarendon Street, Oxford, OX2 6DP, UK. Tel: +44-1865-353907; Fax: +44-1865-353485; e-mail: jnls.cust.serv@oxfordjournals.org; Web site: http://teamat.oxfordjournals.org/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Ireland; United Kingdom
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A