Personal Perspectives in Mathematics and Science - Personal Perspectives in Mathematics and Science - Review of a half-day event organised by the DDIG in conjunction with the MSOR Network

Members of Loughborough University, Coventry University and De Montfort University founded the Dyscalculia and Dyslexia Interest Group (DDIG) in February 2003. Led by Clare Trott at Loughborough, it aims to raise awareness about, and investigate links between, dyscalculia, dyslexia, mathematics phobia and the study of mathematics in the Higher Education (HE) sector. It offers a forum for the discussion of ideas and the linking of research and practice. Since 2003 two events have been held each year in addition to a one-day conference in 2005. Previous DDIG workshops have tended to focus on struggling students and the difficulties arising from their dyslexia, dyscalculia or anxieties. The idea which underpinned this event was to focus on the experiences and achievements of successful mathematicians and scientists. This half-day event was held at the University of Birmingham on Wednesday 7th December 2005 and attracted 48 delegates. It centred on the personal perspectives of three dyslexic individuals who are now lecturing or researching in UK universities, and was followed by group discussions to explore the way these experiences can inform the support provided for mathematics and science based students in HE.