About STIMULUS
Each year the STIMULUS project sends over 100 Cambridge University students into over 20 local schools, to help with mathematics, science, ICT and technology lessons. As well as providing a valuable role model for pupils, the student volunteers provide much-appreciated help within the classroom. They may help generally with the lesson, or may work with small groups on practical tasks or extension activities.
To find out more, do browse the information provided for potential volunteers and teachers.
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Steering group
| Dr C.J.B. Brookes | Faculty of Mathematics |
| Dr R.H. Carpenter | School of Biological Sciences |
| Dr R.J.Gibbens | Computer Laboratory |
| Mr C. Gilderdale | Faculty of Education (Project Director) |
| Ms J. Hawkins | Millennium Mathematics Project |
| Mrs J. Knights | Queen Edith School (Project Coordinator) |
| Mr D. Peet | Department of Physics |
| Dr G.T. Parks | Faculty of Engineering |
| Mrs J. Piggott | Faculty of Education |
| Mr J.G.A. Raffan | Faculty of Education (Chair) |
| Mrs E. Wilson | Faculty of Education |
| Student representatives | See list. |
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Sponsors
- University of Cambridge Active Communities Fund
- Departments of Applied Mathematics, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Engineering, Physics, Pure Mathematics
- Faculty of Education
- Christ's College, Churchill College, Clare Hall, Gonville and Caius College, Homerton College, Hughes Hall, Jesus College, Magdalene College, Queens' College, Robinson College, Selwyn College, Sidney Sussex College, St Edmund's College, St John's College, Trinity College
- The Ogden Trust
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Aims
- to provide support for the teaching of mathematics, science, ICT and technology in schools;
- to provide school students with positive role models of young scientists, mathematicians and technologists;
- to encourage all school students (particularly girls) to develop and maintain an interest in science and technology;
- to give university students opportunities to develop their communication and interpersonal skills;
- to give university students experience in the classroom and a better understanding of education;
- to provide links between Cambridge University and the local community, and with the wider community of school students.
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Background and history
STIMULUS was set up in 1987 by Toni
Beardon following a feasibility study by Kenneth Ruthven; at that time it
was one of only six similar projects in the United Kingdom.
Initially funding came from the University Grants Committee, who were trying to address the shortage of science and mathematics graduates in the teaching profession. Since 1990 STIMULUS has relied on sponsorship funding from the Isaac Newton Trust, Cambridge colleges and departments, and from industry. In 1993 the University of Cambridge General Board approved the establishment of a Steering Committee with
representatives from various university faculties.
Toni Beardon's work for STIMULUS included research and writing on peer-assisted learning, and consultancy work advising on the setting up of similar projects around the world.
In 1997, web-based peer-assisted learning was introduced in the form of AskNRICH. A team of Cambridge University students answer questions about mathematics from young people and adults throughout the world, using a web-board.
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Research, development and publications
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Beardon, L.A. (1990)
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Cambridge STIMULUS, Explorations in Peer Tutoring, Ch 5,
Goodlad, S. and Hirst, B. (eds) Oxford, Basil Blackwell.
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Beardon, L.A., Flinn, A., Green, L., Hughes, J.C., & Sims, R., (1991)
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Tutoring Resource Pack, London, BP Educational Service.
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Beardon L.A. (1995)
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Peer Assisted Learning and Raising Standards, Students as
Tutors and Mentors, Ch 9, Goodlad, S. (ed) London, Kogan
Page.
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Beardon, L.A. (1995)
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How can tutors be most effective in the classroom? Learning
Together: Student Tutoring Research and Evaluation Papers on
Pupils Aspirations and Student Tutor Skills, London, CSV
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Beardon L.A. (1997)
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Casting the net: peer assisted learning on the internet. Mentoring
and Tutoring by Students, edited by Goodlad, S. (1997) London, Kogan
Page. ISBN 0-7494-2559-8 pbk only.
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