Stephen Broughton

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Science Matters 2012 Conference

The inaugural Science Matters conference took place yesterday at Loughborough University. Its aim was to bring together the six departments in the recently formed “School of Science” in one place to talk about research. We had some excellent keynote speakers, two careers workshops, a keenly contested poster competition and a vibrant group of participants in… read more.

Loughborough University Research Conference 2012

I entered the poster competition, but unfortunately did not win any prizes. A few people (mainly judges) asked a little more about my project, which helps, but it’s a shame more didn’t. I did enjoy the talk given by Professor Sir Michael Brady, however. He spoke of barriers that exist only in the mind in… read more.

BSRLM Conference March 2012

It was a fairly late decision to attend the BSRLM conference at The University of Manchester on 3rd March 2012, but I am glad I did. Aside from meeting some familiar faces, I met some new ones: including some prominent researchers that are working with activity theory every day.

First refereed publication

Today I was notified that my current report on using focus groups to investigate formative feedback in CAA has been published on the Taylor & Francis website. This is my first published paper that has been peer-reviewed. Naturally, this happened on the day I gave up using Twitter and Facebook for Lent!

A social experiment

I usually give up something for Lent. This is seldom a religious exercise — I wouldn’t consider myself religious — it is more an attempt at challenging myself and seeking ways of simplifying the rigours of being alive. Last year I saved quite a lot of money by not buying my lunch every day. This… read more.

Turner Prize 2011

Today I went to the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art (also known as Baltic Mill or “the Baltic”) to view pieces by the nominated artists for the Turner Prize 2011. I learned a few things. One thing I learned is that it is not one installation that wins the prize. Rather, an artist is nominated… read more.

Join us at the MEC

For further details in the original advertisement, visit the Mathematics Education Centre website or view the profile on the jobs.ac.uk website. There are many reasons why you might want to study on a PhD programme in the MEC. You might want to develop your research skills set. You could be inclined to spend a time… read more.

CETL-MSOR Conference 2011

I attended a two-day conference at Coventry University arranged by CETL-MSOR on the theme of “student-led education”. I presented some of my findings from the focus groups we conducted in April. I met some of the leading researchers in my field and they were all very friendly and approachable! They also presented some of their… read more.

First Publication

Following from the BSRLM New Researchers Day presentation I made in June, I submitted informal conference proceedings that have now been published. Accordingly, I now have a Publications page! This paper summarises my work with two focus groups to elicit students’ thoughts and experiences of using computer-aided assessment (CAA).

Holiday in Barcelona 2011

I spent a week of my holiday this year in Barcelona, Spain. While there, I visited the basilica of the Sagrada Família. The recently completed part was beautiful as the scorching sun shone through the stain-glass windows. The continuation of my football education allowed me to witness first-hand an el clásico match between FC Barcelona… read more.