Further Mathematics Support Programme
Using live online technology to provide
access to professional development for
mathematics teachers
Sharon Tripconey
and Yvonne Croasdaile
Further Mathematics Support Programme
Background
The Further Mathematics Support
Programme is a DfE funded programme run
by MEI
The FMSP works with schools, colleges and
universities in England to ensure that all
students who could benefit from studying FM
have the opportunity to do so
What does the FMSP do?
Promotes the study of AS/A level Maths and
Further Maths
Ensures all students can access tuition for
AS/A level Further Maths
Supports schools and colleges to teach AS/A
level Further Maths
Provides Professional Development for
teachers of A level Maths and Further
Maths
Online provision
Access to support
regardless of
geographical
location
Cost effective
support even for
small numbers
of students
The online classroom
Recording and saving sessions
Online sessions are recorded and can be
accessed at a later date – even one year later.
The whiteboard files (including all annotations)
can be saved as pdf documents and saved at
the end of each session (or from a recording) by
each individual participant
Online course structure
A course runs over several weeks, each
session lasting 60 – 90 mins
Up to 8 delegates
Each session covers a unit/topic in detail,
going through the maths and incorporating
teaching idea
Teachers have access to the Integral online
resources for the course unit
Online forum and email support from a course
tutor.
Typical schedule
Further Pure 1 Autumn 2012
Reasons for course enrolment
113 teachers submitted reasons in 2010-2011
More than one reason could be provided so the percentages will total more than
100%
Live Online PD: Participation trends
Academic
year
Number of different
topic courses
scheduled
Number of
teachers
enrolled
Number
of
tutors
2007/08
3
16
2
2008/09
10
60
4
2009/10
13
54
5
2010/11
13
113
12
2011/12
15
130
15
Advantages
Sessions can take place outside class teaching time
Teachers access the courses from school or home
Sessions are recorded and can be accessed for a long
time after the live session
Courses are accessible to teachers across the country at
a time appropriate for them, rather than waiting for a
course in their region
Disadvantages
Some teachers may be deterred by the lack of face-toface contact
Some teachers are worried by using a technology that
they are unfamiliar with, though they soon become
more confident
It can be difficult to find a time of day which will suit all
prospective participants
Feedback
Overall feedback from participants has been very positive.
Opportunities for interaction
Ratings for confidence with using a
microphone to interact
Teacher comments
"The concept and use of the virtual classroom is a fantastic
way to make valuable resources available to both
teachers and students. Further Maths is thus made
more accessible.”
“A great opportunity to try things out in the classroom
between the weekly sessions and to report back to the
tutor how it went. Sometimes on 'day courses' that never
happens.”
“This is not a passive learning experience – you have to
join in with key questions which can be fun / scary as
you grapple with all your equipment and understanding
of the topic!”
Teacher comments
“At first I was just glad to have a go at it and I finally found
out that I was really looking forward to the course week
after week. This is really as professional development
should be.”
“The tutors were reassuring, confident and humorous –
essential!”
“The course has been of great use to me. I have found that
it has Improved my confidence massively.”
“I was really impressed by the method of delivery of the
course. It was very relaxing being taught at home!”
Teacher comments
“This is not a passive learning experience – you have to
join in with key questions which can be fun / scary as you
grapple with all your equipment and understanding of the
topic!”
“At the start I was a little nervous as I couldn’t see the
people I was speaking to and it might be difficult to see how
they were reacting to my ideas. This soon changed,
however, and I became more confident and happy to use
the microphone.”
Courses with online provision
Live Online Professional Development
(LOPD)
Teaching Advanced Mathematics (TAM)
Teaching Further Mathematics (TFM)
Teaching GCSE Mathematics (TGM)
MEI one-day course follow up sessions
www.furthermaths.org.uk
Potential for further development
Bespoke courses
Peer mentoring
Online lectures
Teacher Networks