Designing the teaching of problem-solving tactics in school mathematics (Ref: LN/CF-SF1/2026)

About the Project

A project in this area will aim to improve our knowledge about effective teaching of problem solving in school mathematics.

Research suggests that although expert problem solvers use a variety of domain-general problem-solving strategies (e.g. draw a diagram, simplify the problem), novice problem solvers do not benefit from being advised to do these things. Instead, I have proposed teaching more domain-specific problem-solving tactics, but what exactly these are and how they might be effectively taught remains unclear.

This project would draw on insights from mathematics education and cognitive science to develop knowledge about how to improve the design of the teaching of problem solving in secondary school mathematics.

Interested applicants may want to visit http://www.foster77.co.uk for details of research in this area.

Name of primary supervisor/CDT lead:
Colin Foster c.foster@lboro.ac.uk
https://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/maths-education/staff/colin-foster/

Entry requirements:
Applicants should have 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 (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).

Bench fees required: No

Closing date of advert: 30th April 2027

Start date: October 2026, February 2027, July 2027

Full-time/part-time availability: Full-time 3 years, Part-time 6 years

Fee band: 2025/26 Band RA (UK £5,006, International £22,360)

How to apply:
All applications should be made online. Under programme name, select Mathematics Education. Please quote the advertised reference number: LN/CF-SF1/2026 in your application. To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit a CV and the minimum supporting documents.
The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application. Please note that this criteria is used for both funded and self-funded projects.
Please note, applications for this project are considered on an ongoing basis once submitted and the project may be withdrawn prior to the application deadline, if a suitable candidate is chosen for the project

Project search terms:
mathematics, secondary education

Email Address Sci:
sci-pgr@lboro.ac.uk