MATHS MATTERS Erasmus Project

Project Title

MATHS MATTERS

Project Key Action

This project related with these key action: Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices

Project Action Type

This project related with this action type : Strategic Partnerships for Schools Only

Project Call Year

This project’s Call Year is 2017

Project Topics

This project is related with these Project Topics: Overcoming skills mismatches (basic/transversal); New innovative curricula/educational methods/development of training courses; Key Competences (incl. mathematics and literacy) – basic skills

Project Summary

The main objective of Maths Matters project was to enhance 15 and 16-year-old students practical Maths knowledge to be applied in other fields of science and everyday situations and also to equip teachers with innovative and effective teaching methods to support mathematical and scientific education to meet demands of modern technology-oriented world.
Students lacked practical maths skills and they couldn’t apply it in real life situations, although they could solve problems in exam papers. Teachers lacked innovative and effective methods and found it difficult to show the importance of practical Maths in a way which would stimulate students to perceive maths problems practically or appeal to them.
The project objective was to introduce and test innovative methods, such as Inquiry-Based Method, and to make use of logical board and computer games and strategy-based tasks during lessons.
Our target groups were 150 students and 24 Maths, Science, Arts and IT teachers from schools where Maths education is of great importance. Main local activities involved logical board games, creating and interpreting graphs and mathematical models, designing 4 innovative “Maths Quest” logical board games, designing simple computer games (using graphs of functions, geometry or vectors), sharing presentations and videos to show how Maths is related to true life situations and other fields of science, organising problem solving maths contests and drawing up innovative inquiry-based lesson plans. Virtual activities included project logo contest on Facebook, online workshops for teachers, sharing videos and presentations.
Internationally, there were conducted workshops and seminars for students and teachers organized by local educational or scientific institutions combined with study visits at scientific centres, observing lessons to see how to use inquiry-based method in class, testing each of 4 “Maths Quest” logical board games, working on “Maths Rulez” e-guidebook. There were also organized City Game, Maths survival and Maths, music events and other field games. All of the above activities involved practical application of Maths knowledge and other scientific subjects.
The project made it easier for target groups to exchange ideas and practical experience through local activities carried out simultaneously in five partner countries, transnational meetings and short-term exchanges. Project partners shared the same objective of increasing students’ Maths practical competence and enhancing their further scientific education. Innovative logical board and computer games, encouraging students to ask questions through innovative and specially designed lesson scenarios and other project activities facilitated practical application of Maths.
Great support from the experienced German partner helped to develop teachers’ competence in creative and innovative Maths teaching methodology. Through shared experience teachers worked out effective methods, tools and lesson plans to meet demands of modern technology- oriented world
Project activities prompted new approach and changes in maths curriculum to make it more practical.
Through mobilities students and teachers developed and tried out most effective, engaging and creative methods and interactive Maths games. Workshops for teachers and students and cooperation with scientific centres enhanced the participants’ knowledge and became the basis for future cooperation in the field of Maths education. Students gained practical Maths knowledge that could be implemented in everyday life and boosted their self-esteem through peer-to-peer tools and stimulated their awareness of practical Maths and the scientific knowledge they have. They developed skills of creative and critical thinking, strategic planning and decision making to solve problems through international team work. They also improved their IT and linguistic skills. This will facilitate creating new European Union program projects in the field of education through exchange of good practices and results. Cooperation of international groups helped to break down barriers and prejudices against other nations. The project had a visible impact on all the target groups, who started to become more aware of universality and practicality of Maths.
Tangible results of the project that are available for partner school communities will be useful source of information for other students, teachers, parents, other community members after the project completion. Erasmus+ dissemination platform will help to show the impact and outcomes of the project, sharing good practice and experience within schools, communities and regions, allowing others to learn from it. Activities promoting practical maths skills will be part of school curricula. Schools will continue their cooperation with local institutions and project partners. Project online groups will still be active making background for further discussions and future international cooperation.

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 110845 Eur

Project Coordinator

I Spoleczne Gimnazjum im. Unii Europejskiej w Zamosciu & Country: PL

Project Partners

• 1 EPAL N. IONIAS MAGNISIAS
• Érdi Szakképzési Centrum Százhalombattai Széchenyi István Szakgimnáziuma és Gimnáziuma
• GEWERBLICHE SCHULE SCHWÄBISCH HALL
• Agrupamento de Escolas Dr. João Araújo Correia