Dr Fiona Curtis

Biography

Dr. Fiona Curtis is currently working as a Lecturer in the Department of Institute of education, University of Reading , United Kingdom. Responsibilities: Institute of Education Responsibilities: • Subject leader in Secondary Maths ITT • Professional studies tutor in Secondary ITT • PhD and EdD supervisor • Module leader on Maths SKE course • Lecturer on BAEd and MA courses Areas of Interest: Expertise and Research Interest: • How children learn maths, particularly algebra. • Children's affective responses in the classroom. • Gender differences in the take up of STEM subjects. • Gender differences in cross-curricular approaches. • Alternative approaches to teaching, including use of comic books. • Learning and cognitive conflict Masters Level Supervision offered in these areas: • Pedagogical approaches • Maths teaching and learning • Gender differences PhD and EdD Level Supervision offered in these areas: • Pedagogical approaches • Maths teaching and learning • Gender differences Current and Recent PhD and EdD Students, with Topics/Titles of their Research: • A. Alatiq – female teacher attitudes to change in Saudi Arabian schools • U. Amir – methods of teaching science in primary education in the public schools of Pakistan • M. Pawson – effectiveness of teacher appraisal strategies • S. Piscopo – CPD into teaching of mathematics in Maltese primary schools Current and Recent Research Projects: • N. Trakulphadetkrai, L. Courtenay (University of Reading) investigating use of alternatives to traditional statistics textbooks • M. Della Giusta, G. Razzu, Y. Dimitriadi (University of Reading) investigating gender differences in student experiences of GCSE maths • S. French (Winston Churchill School, Woking), A. Sproat (Wellington College) investigating implementation of Harkness independent learning in schools Research groups / Centres: • Member of BERA SIG: Mathematics in Education • Member of BRSLM • Member of ATM regional committee

Research Interest

How children learn maths, particularly algebra. Children's affective responses in the classroom. Gender differences in the take up of STEM subjects. Gender differences in cross-curricular approaches. Alternative approaches to teaching, including use of comic books. Learning and cognitive conflict