PhD position on automated and alternate assessment in undergraduate mathematics

Thousands of students across many technical programmes are taught mathematics every year at the University of Twente, by teachers based in the Applied Mathematics Department. Assessment of mathematical proficiency is an important part of this process and requires substantial dedication of time and attention. Traditional assessment in the form of closed-book examination has its advantages. However, there exist many forms of alternate assessment, including automated approaches such as digital grading, offering different opportunities and advantages.

FERMAT (Fundamental Educational Research in Mathematics at Twente) is a new research group within the Applied Mathematics department with a mission to engage in practice-led research to benefit the teaching and learning of mathematics. FERMAT has made streamlining assessment one of its core interests.

We seek a PhD candidate who is passionate about mathematics education to engage in a project evaluating the affordances and constraints of different forms of automated and alternative assessment, comparing and contrasting assessment forms across mathematics courses and between courses in mathematics and other disciplines within the faculty and the UT. It is expected that the outcomes of the project will include practical implementation (or plans for implementation) of assessment reform which will have positive impact on teachers’ workloads, while maintaining, or even improving, the quality of assessment.

Requirements:

• You hold a Masters degree in Mathematics Education or Mathematics. If the latter, supporting courses in education would be beneficial. Candidates close to graduating are also encouraged to apply.
• You have strong communication skills, including fluency in written and spoken English.
• You have a creative mindset and are passionate about the teaching and learning of mathematics.
• You have strong social skills and the ability to work with academic teachers and, potentially, outside partners.
• A record of publication in education would be beneficial, but is not mandatory.

Salary Benefits:

• As a PhD candidate at UT, you will be appointed to a full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year, within a very stimulating and exciting scientific environment;
• The University offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues;
• You will be embedded in a dynamic research group with colleagues working on other mathematics education projects;
• Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU);
• You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 2.770,- (first year) to € 3.539,- (fourth year);
• There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme;
• A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis;
• Free access to sports facilities on campus;
• A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid);
• You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision;
• We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence, while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers and other staff;

40 hours per week

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