Loughborough University

Designing the Teaching of Problem-Solving Tactics in School Mathematics

Loughborough UniversityLoughborough, United Kingdom

Course overview

A project in this area will aim to improve our knowledge about effective teaching of problem solving in school mathematics. Research suggests that although expert problem solvers use a variety of domain-general problem-solving strategies (e.g. draw a diagram, simplify the problem), novice problem solvers do not benefit from being advised to do these things. Instead, I have proposed teaching more domain-specific problem-solving tactics, but what exactly these are and how they might be effectively taught remains unclear.

This project would draw on insights from mathematics education and cognitive science to develop knowledge about how to improve the design of the teaching of problem solving in secondary school mathematics. Interested applicants may want to visit www.foster77.co.uk for details of research in this area. 94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.

REF 2021

Key highlights

  • Research into effective teaching of problem solving in school mathematics
  • Investigates domain-specific problem-solving tactics for novice learners
  • Draws on insights from mathematics education and cognitive science
  • Focuses on designing problem-solving teaching in secondary school mathematics
  • 94% of research impact rated world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)

Entry requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 — 6.5 The standard University IELTS English language requirement is 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each individual element (reading, writing, listening and speaking).

Scholarships

  • Alumni Bursary

    10% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

    Up to 10% of fees

  • Alumni Discount

    UK students: £1,500 tuition fee discount for one academic year. International students: £3,000 tuition fee discount for one academic year.

  • Care Leaver's Scholarship

  • Excellence Scholarships

    UK students: £3,000 off tuition fees; International students: £6,000 off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

  • International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary

    Our International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary offers a £12,000 tuition fee discount (set against the tuition fees of your chosen postgraduate taught programme ONLY).

    Up to £12,000

  • London 10th Anniversary Award

    £5,000 off tuition fees.

    Up to £5,000

  • Loughborough Business School Scholarship

    £1,500 (UK students) and £3,000 (international students) off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

  • MBA Progress with Purpose Scholarship

    50% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

    Up to 50% of fees

  • Qatari Ghanim Al-Muftah Excellence Scholarship

Careers this course leads to

  • Mathematics education researcher
  • University lecturer in mathematics education
  • Secondary school mathematics teacher
  • Mathematics curriculum developer
  • Educational resource designer
  • Teacher educator

Cost of study

UK/Home: £5,238 | International: £23,100

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Loughborough University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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