Ruth Barrington

Personal statement

I am a member of both the PGCE tutor team and CPD team.

PGCE team: When I started working at BSU I was a Senior Lecturer in Mathematics Education. This involved teaching undergraduate students and PGCE trainees mathematics and professional studies as well as supporting trainees through their school experiences and liaising with their mentors. I now teach Mathematics Education within PGCE and also have a tutor group and teach professional studies. I am particularly interested in how children's misconceptions arise and how good teaching can anticipate and address these. I am fascinated by the pedagogical choices teachers make which enables children to access the learning.

CPD: I support a range of teachers who are working at different stages towards their Master's. In particular I run a module for NQTs; this builds upon the Master's credits gained after completing a PGCE and encourages them to undertake research to inform practice. I also run coaching and mentoring courses (INSET and Master's modules) which are always tailored to meet the needs of the group and/or organisation in terms of content, timing and venue (often at client's premises). I am particularly interested in the potential benefits of coaching in supporting professional development and how questioning can be used to support new understanding.

Prior to working at the University I taught in Sandwell Authority in the Midlands. My class teaching experiences were mainly in primary schools with some secondary experience. Later I became a mathematics advisory teacher within the same authority and this enabled me to work with a wide range of schools.

Academic qualifications

• MA Bath College of Higher Education
• BEd Nene College
• Diploma in Mathematics Education Wolverhampton Polytechnic
• Diploma in English as a Second language in Multicultural Schools Wolverhampton Polytechnic
• Level 7 Certificate in Executive Coaching and Leadership Mentoring ILM.

Professional memberships

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Other external roles

• Peer review for EPPI "The Impact of newly Qualified Teachers induction programmes on the enhancement of teacher expertise, professional development, job satisfaction or retention rates: a systematic review of research literature on Induction." Institute of Education. University of London - April 2003

External examiners

• I have previously been an external examiner for the Faculty of Education at Durham University. This focused mainly on their mathematics courses and also enabled me to observe trainees and talk with mentors in schools.

Teaching specialism

• Coaching and Mentoring
• Mathematics Education.

Current scholarship

My recent research focuses on:

• Emotion coaching project 
• How does a school develop a coaching culture
• The impact of coaching on 3rd year under graduates employability and transferable skills.

Recent professional updating

• I regularly undertake further courses and attend conferences when there are opportunities to do so.