Maths education seminar: Mark MacDonald on embedding groupwork throughout the maths curriculum
| Dates: | 16 February 2026 |
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| Times: | 14:00 - 15:00 |
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| What is it: | Seminar |
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| Organiser: | Department of Mathematics |
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| Who is it for: | University staff |
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| Speaker: | Mark MacDonald |
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Speaker: Mark MacDonald (Lancaster University)
Title: Embedding groupwork throughout the maths curriculum
Abstract: Traditional mathematical coursework is now usually susceptible to AI-misuse, to the detriment of student learning. Groupwork exercises and projects in mathematics are potentially more AI-resistant due to the social pressures from teammates. Even when the stakes are low, students use groupwork as an opportunity to build their collaboration skills and experience. I will describe how we have embedded low-stakes groupwork throughout our mathematics curriculum at Lancaster, and also share some results of a classroom-based experiment that I ran in 24/25 which investigated how the timing of a group project affected academic performance. The findings have reinforced my belief that, when administered well, groupwork activities have the potential to create and strengthen peer-to-peer connections, and thereby reduce the risk of students disengaging from their course.
Speaker
Mark MacDonald
Role: Senior Lecturer in Pure Mathematics
Organisation: Lancaster University
Travel and Contact Information
Find event
G.114
Alan Turing Building
Manchester
