SIGMA - a Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning with Statistics on its Mind

The Universities of Loughborough and Coventry were awarded a Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) in Spring 2005 based on their track record of university-wide mathematics support and their commitment to extend this support. The CETL aims to develop university-wide mathematics and statistics support and this article discusses the various initiatives which will be explored to support non-specialists in their study and usage of statistics. Aims include: raising student expectation of success; research and promote teaching and learning enhancement in mathematics and statistics; to be responsive, efficient and accountable. Immediate areas to build and enhance on include: Drop-in facilities; Consultancy; Diagnostic testing; Focused support for targeted non-specialists; Training courses / workshops; Short courses; Research methods support; Teaching and learning methods….