Friday, 06 December 2024
The University of Nottingham’s Observatory for Mathematical Education has published its Introductory Report which sets out its design concepts, together with preliminary plans for the coming years.
Including details of progress on setting up the largest ever cohort studies of mathematical education in England, the report makes the case for the importance of the mathematical sciences and their applications – and for a mathematical education fit for the mid-21st century.
The Observatory – which was established in November 2023 with the support of a founding grant from XTX Markets – houses the first dedicated, ONS secure data lab for mathematics education research in the country. It continues to bring together a growing team of mathematicians and mathematics education researchers within the university and builds on an internationally respected history of research and development at the University of Nottingham.
We’ve had a tremendous first year, building a great team and quickly establishing the Observatory’s brand and reputation. And together we’ve designed and started an exciting programme of groundbreaking research that we are confident will build to make great impact for learners of mathematics in schools, colleges and universities.”
The report explains some of the underpinning principles of the Observatory, including the simple yet ambitious goal to undertake and disseminate an outstanding programme of large-scale longitudinal research supporting the improvement of mathematical education and the long-term benefits for individuals and society; and concludes by detailing the high-level research design, concepts and plans, focusing on the core programme of work.
In future, the Observatory for Mathematical Education will publish an annual research synthesis based on trend analyses, cohort studies and other research and development activities. It aims to report on historical and emerging successes and disseminate evidence on longstanding systemic problems and the extent to which policies, interventions and practices have addressed, or are addressing, these issues, along with producing focused reports on some of the key aspects of the mathematics education system in England. The Observatory intends to use its research findings to inform policymakers, including the Department for Education, to shape the future of the system.
The full report can be found here.
Story credits
More information is available from Andrew Noyes, Professor of Education, via andrew.noyes@nottingham.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
About the University of Nottingham
Ranked 32 in Europe and 16th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2024, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.
Nottingham was crowned Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 – the third time it has been given the honour since 2018 – and by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.
The university is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research, positioned seventh for research power in the UK according to REF 2021. The birthplace of discoveries such as MRI and ibuprofen, our innovations transform lives and tackle global problems such as sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery, developing greener transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The university is a major employer and industry partner - locally and globally - and our graduates are the second most targeted by the UK's top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2022 report by High Fliers Research.
We lead the Universities for Nottingham initiative, in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, a pioneering collaboration between the city’s two world-class institutions to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing for residents in the city and region we are proud to call home.
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