Teaching Advanced Mathematics (TAM)

Background:

This is a seventeen-month course, incorporating two summer holidays, designed to give teachers the skills and confidence to teach A level Mathematics. During the first year of the pilot phase (2004/05) twenty teachers, from throughout the UK, enrolled on the course at the University of Warwick.

Since April 2005 two universities have been offering the course. Warwick are continuing to support teachers from across the country and, in addition, Manchester Metropolitan University are working with teachers in the Greater Manchester area, thereby allowing more face-to-face support.

From March 2006 London South Bank University and the University of Chichester have offered the course to teachers in their areas.

Course design:

The course has three components. Participants:

• study the content of five A level modules, from a teaching and learning perspective, with website and email support;
• take an active role in university-based workshops, spread across the year, focusing on A level mathematics pedagogy;
• teach at least the equivalent of one A level module (e.g. all of one module or several topics from different modules), from any specification, or Additional Mathematics (for those in 11-16 schools) in their own school or college with visits from the course tutors.

Assessment:

During the course teachers are asked to compile a portfolio of module assignments, lesson plans and a commentary on one of their own videoed lessons. Those wishing to receive a Postgraduate Certificate in A level Mathematics Pedagogy (one third of a Masters degree) need to submit two essays and undertake some classroom-based research.

Applications

Although the introductory day has taken place at each university, it is still possible to enrol on the 2008/09 course. Please read the FAQ and note in particluar that you must be teaching A level Mathematics or Additional Mathematics from September. Please fill in the short form at: www.mei.org.uk/meitest/tamsurvey.php and the course leaders will be back in touch with you..