Development of a Course Community

Abstract

There are feelings of belonging amongst those involved with the mathematics course at Sheffield Hallam University. A number of factors contribute to this, including the use of year tutors, a peer assisted learning scheme, a shared working space, a Maths Arcade, an induction week programme, a final year de-stress day, and other social events. In addition to communication with peers in their own year group, interactions with staff and students in other year groups are encouraged. The students are given opportunities to form friendship groups, which has a large impact on their university experience. The desire from staff to work alongside students and support activities has resulted in students feeling part of a community.