Research projects in maths

With maths, as with many subjects, doing it is very different from studying it. This advanced maths course engaged students’ interest and gave them an experience of actual mathematical practice through a semester-long research project. On Day 1 of the course, students were given a list of 17 questions, intended as potential starting points for projects, and based on their preferences were assigned to groups of three. Supporting scaffolding included: instructions and assessment criteria for their final paper, a sample project paper, and their delivery of a weekly project report to encourage them to ask questions which would move them forward. The case portfolio includes sample course materials and extracts from the lecturer’s journal. [Curtis Bennett]