PhD-Designing classroom tasks to improve students’ learning of mathematics
PhD @Loughborough University posted 21 hours agoJob Description
Project details
A project in this area will aim to improve our knowledge about effective school mathematics task design.
Many learners experience neither success nor enjoyment from their study of mathematics, and yet success in school mathematics functions as a gatekeeper to young people’s future opportunities, including employment, economic and social stability and health and wellbeing. The tasks that learners are given to do in mathematics lessons are a major factor influencing what they can learn, and improving the design of classroom mathematics tasks has the potential to give learners a more rewarding and positive experience.
This project would draw on insights from mathematics education and cognitive science to develop knowledge about how to improve the design of classroom tasks for 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
Supervisors
Primary supervisor: Colin Foster
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements are listed using standard UK undergraduate degree classifications i.e. first-class honours, upper second-class honours and lower second-class honours.
Entry requirements for United Kingdom
Applicants should have or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree and relevant experience in education and a strong interest in schools and mathematics.
English language requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for 2025-26 entry
UK fee
£5,006 Full-time degree per annum
International fee
£22,360 Full-time degree per annum
Fees for the 2025-26 academic year apply to projects starting in October 2025, January 2026, April 2026 and July 2026.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. University fees and charges can be paid in advance and there are several methods of payment, including online payments and payment by instalment. Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.
How to apply
All applications should be made online. Under programme name, select Mathematics Education Centre. Please quote the advertised reference number: ME/CF-SF/2025 in your application.
To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents.
The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application.
