John Berry, Professor of Mathematics Education, was director of the Centre for Teaching Mathematics. It was set up in 1990 to co-ordinate research in mathematics education across the University. John has a BSc in Mathematics from the University of Leicester and a PhD in Applied Mathematics from the University of Leeds.
John is now based in the Faculty of Education.

Research Interests

His research interests are in mathematics education, particularly students' development and understanding of key concepts, the use of hand-held technology and symbolic algebra in learning and teaching mathematics. John says that an important focus of the research of the Centre is the development of a student centred approach to mathematics teaching and learning. The teach-test philosophy of education in schools discourages the development of mathematical thinking. It encourages students to sit back and wait for the teacher to ask the questions and often give the answers. When students start to ask questions themselves (and answer them) then the learning can begin. Currently John is working on research projects associated with Technology, Images and Beliefs and different approaches to teaching and learning mathematics. Details of published research papers can be found here: publications

As well as being research active, John is the Mathematics Professor in Residence at Wells Cathedral School in Somerset. He works with the able and talented pupils in years 7 to 10 and teaches Mechanics modules to the Further Mathematics sixth form students in the School.

John is a consultant to the National Academy of Gifted and Talented Youth delivering workshops to members of The Academy and to primary pupils as part of the SWGate programme.

John delivers CPD courses for teachers nationally and internationally and is available to visit schools to run workshops on the teaching and learning of Mathematics.

John also leads a team of teachers delivering a programme of GCSE and GCE A’ level revision student workshops for TEACHERS FIRST.

A love of Finland, Finnish people, food and culture (including the sauna) has resulted from over twenty years of visiting schools and working with teachers during inservice courses.

John was the:

• Founding Editor of the Derive Journal, which became the International Journal of Computer Algebra in Mathematics Education which became the International Journal for Technology in Mathematics Education

John is:

• Editor of the Mathematics Association publication Mathematics in School
• Assistant Editor of the International Journal for Technology in Mathematics Education
• On the Editorial Board of the Journal of Teaching Mathematics and its Applications.
• Series Editor of the 'Discovering Advanced Mathematics' series (Collins Educational)