Module Content

This module provides students with an invaluable opportunity to gain deeper insights into the professional practices and dynamics associated with the workplace. Students will independently research, secure, and undertake a period of work experience relevant to the field of mathematics and/or statistics, applying their academic knowledge in a real-world context. 

Throughout the module, students will be encouraged to engage in critical self-reflection on their work experience. They will evaluate the skills and competencies they develop during the placement, assessing how these skills can be effectively applied to their future professional paths. Students will analyze specific workplace situations they encounter, exploring the lessons learned and the impact on their personal and professional growth. This reflective process aims to foster a proactive approach to career development and a deeper understanding of how mathematical and statistical skills integrate within various industries.

Teaching Methods

Before the placement, students will go through an application process including the preparation of a CV, applying for the job and in some instances go through an interview process. 

Students will be engaged in approximately 20 full days of work in a job relevant to Mathematics and/or Statistics and should aim to obtain key workplace skills such as: 

• Time Management 
• Communication within the workplace 
• Teamwork Skills 
• Critical Thinking 
• Problem-solving Skills 
• Adaptability to various situations 
• Self-assessment and identification of strengths and weaknesses 
• Reflection on experiences and extracting lessons for future situations 
• Professionalism and Work Ethic 

Depending on the nature of the placement job, other specific job skills should also be obtained. The two most typical examples will be: 

Teaching Placement Skills 

• Pedagogical Skills (Lesson planning and delivery, use of a variety of teaching methods, diversity in teaching, use of technology etc.) 
• Classroom Management  (Student  engagement,  understanding student needs, class time management) 
• Mathematical Communication Skills (Explaining concepts clearly, questioning techniques, providing constructing feedback etc.) 
• Curriculum understanding and Assessment Design 

 Industry Placement Skills 

• Applying mathematical concepts to real world situations 
• (Mathematical) Problem-solving 
• Modelling problems 
• Use of statistics and data analysis 
• Use of mathematical/statistical software 

Assessment Methods

This module is assessed through a submission of a placement logbook/diary and a reflective essay and presentation of the work experience.