Conor Lenihan
Question:272 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the measures, if any, he intends to take with regard to the improvement of achievement in mathematics among primary school students. [12070/99]
Written Answers. - Primary School Education.
Conor Lenihan
Question:273 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the figures or statistics, if any, his Department has in relation to under achievement in mathematics among primary school students. [12071/99]
Conor Lenihan
Question:274 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to introduce fresh or more innovative teaching materials at primary level for the teaching of mathematics. [12072/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 272 to 274, inclusive, together.
Individual schools test their own pupils' progress in mathematics using a variety of tests, including standardised tests. Information on pupils' progress, including those with significant difficulties in mathematics, is kept at school level. In the absence of valid and reliable information on the ability of individual pupils it is not possible to estimate the numbers of pupils who underachieve in mathematics.
The results of surveys conducted by my Department during the 1970s and early 1980s on the primary mathematics programme showed that the great majority of pupils in the classes tested (second, fourth, sixth) attained mastery on those mathematics objectives involving basic computational skills. The main deficiencies indicated by the surveys were in relation to conceptual understanding and the solving of word problems,
The 1995 third international mathematics and science study involved Irish pupils in third and fourth classes. The results showed that the mean mathematics scores of Irish pupils in both class grades were higher than the corresponding international mean mathematics scores. Among countries involved which satisfied various sampling criteria, Irish pupils were placed seventy of 16 countries in the third class survey and sixth of 17 countries in the fourth class survey.
In May 1999, a survey of the mathematics attainments of pupils in fourth class is being conducted by the educational research centre, Drumcondra, and the inspectorate of my Department. In addition, arrangements are being made at present to extend the remedial teaching service to all schools. Also, the guidelines on remedial teaching are being revised and particular attention will be given to the remedial teaching of mathematics in this revision. There are practical steps in providing for pupils with learning difficulties in mathematics and in tackling underachievement.
A revised programme in mathematics has been drawn up by the national council for curriculum and assessment as part of the overall revision of the primary school curriculum. The phased implementation in schools of this revised curriculum will begin in the next school year and will be supported by an extensive in-career development programme for teachers.
Changes in approach in the revised mathematics programme include an increased emphasis on conceptual understanding and on a more structured approach to the solving of problems based on real life situations. These initiatives will be expected to raise standards and improve achievement in mathematics among primary school students generally.
The use of electronic calculators will formally begin in fourth class and the utilisation of appro priate computer software in the delivery of the programme will be encouraged. Carefully structured work with visual and three-dimensional materials, coupled with the correct use of mathematical language, will form an important base for the development of the children's understanding of mathematics.
These innovations are intended both to increase the children's enjoyment of mathematics and to further enhance the levels of attainment currently being achieved in primary schools.