Description
Mathematics and the education of teachers in mathematics is currently a widely discussed topic in European countries and worldwide, particularly in relation to the results of the PISA testing of fifteen year old students. It is important that teachers of mathematics are well trained. The main objective of this project is aimed at increasing the quality of education for future teachers of mathematics for primary and secondary schools, and the development of research in the area of theory mathematics teaching. The project´s activities will bring significant development to the quality of the study programs oriented in teaching of mathematics at all partner institutions. A new text book aimed at summarizing current scientific approaches and research results in theories of teaching mathematics with an emphasis on IBL (Inquired Based Learning) methods will create one of the most important outcomes of the project. Emphasis on outputs of individual activities will improve knowledge and skills in IBL teaching methods among MA and PhD students. The activities will contribute to the strengthening of institutional cooperation with a perspective its continuing in the future.
Summary of project results
The project activities have been aimed at improving the quality of education for future teachers of Mathematics as well as higher quality of research into the field of theory of the Math teaching with the use of dynamic mathematical software. Educational activities of the project were related to the activities aimed at development of cooperation in other academic area, search for workplaces and contacts at partner universities with a perspective of institutional multilateral cooperation. University of Constantine the Philosopher in Nitra organised in 2015 Summer School of Mathematics and Autumn Conference for PhD Students with participation of academic staff and PhD students from partner organisations. Partners presented innovative methods of mathematics education and consulted final thesis of Slovak PhD students. During the project 6 foreign PhD students, 10 academic staff and 1 administrative staff visited Slovakia. Teachers cooperated in preparation of innovative mathematics textbook “Staircase to Even More Interesting Mathematics Teaching”. The textbook can be used for teaching of higher education students and PhD students, as well as in secondary schools. 3 Slovak PhD students and 6 academic staff visited both partner universities in Norway and/or Iceland with the aim of exchange of experience and participation in seminars and workshops for Norwegian and Icelandic students. Parallel to the above-mentioned expert activities, the University of Constantine the Philosopher in Nitra carried out a mapping of the university's potential for future cooperation with partner universities. Study programs were identified at partner universities that are corresponding to the Slovak study programs and a mapping questionnaire was developed. Results of mapping at all faculties was processed and presented which led to signing of Erasmus+ agreements with University of Iceland as well as University of Bergen. 4 Slovak representatives of management visited together with academic staff and PhD student both partner universities. Contacts have been created for new collaboration and inspiring stay has brought new ideas in the field of marketing, PR, innovative teaching of natural subjects and preparation of a new project in mathematics within Erasmus+.
Summary of bilateral results
Both donor partner isntitutions, University of Bergen, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences from Norway and University of Iceland, School of Education from Iceland were equal partners involved in all project activities. Academic staff from donor countires attended events organised by University of Constantine the Philosopher in Nitra, Slovakia, such as Summer School of Mathematics and Autumn Conference for PhD Students. They gave lectures and consultations for PhD students. All of them were involved in preparation of new joint teaching aid - innovative mathematics textbook “Staircase to Even More Interesting Mathematics Teaching”. Slovak academic staff and management visited both partner universitites in order to start new cooperation in the field of marketing, PR, innovative teaching of natural subjects and preparation of a new project in mathematics within Erasmus+.