Use of Projects in Mathematics

An area of learning that has great potential in developing mathematical skills and wider (graduate) skills is that of incorporating significant project-based activities within the curriculum. Most mathematics courses do include some elements of project work but the extent and depth of the provision in UK Mathematics Honours degrees has not been well documented and the QAA Overview [1] identified issues associated with projects as the ‘greatest weakness’. The mini-project “Use of Projects in Mathematics” aimed to identify and share ‘good practice’ within the UK MSOR community to clarify associated learning outcomes and also highlight resources available to enable more effective use of project work.