Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 July 2010
693 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools that will engage in project maths from September 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31204/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraProject Maths will begin in all second level schools in September 2010. The programme is designed to transform teaching and learning of mathematics at second level, so that students will develop instrumental understanding (knowing how), relational understanding (knowing why), the ability to apply their knowledge and skills in familiar and unfamiliar contexts, and analytical and creative powers in mathematics. A key objective is to improve attainment levels in maths and to encourage more students to take the subject at higher level.
The Project Maths initiative is designed to encourage better understanding of maths, to reinforce the practical relevance of maths to everyday life, and to ensure better continuity between primary and second level, and junior and senior cycle.
The initiative started in 2008 and was piloted in 24 schools. The experience in the project schools is informing the national mainstreaming of the initiative. The curriculum changes will be phased in over three years and mainstreaming is beginning in 2010-11 in all schools. A national programme of professional development for all teachers began in 2009, and will continue to at least 2013.
The NCCA website www.ncca.ie. sets out the draft syllabus for Strands 1, 2, 3 and 4 at junior and senior cycle, a draft common mathematics course for the first year in junior cycle, and a Geometry course. The website www.ProjectMaths.ie sets out additional supports in the form of teaching and learning plans, a forum for teachers, and additional resources. These resources will expand over time. Overall, the changes will be implemented in five strands of mathematics over a three year period. Project Maths is being supported by intensive investment in professional development for teachers, with some €5 million being invested in this area in 2010.
Strands 1 and 2 will begin in all schools in September 2010 for first examination in 2012 at leaving certificate and 2013 at junior certificate. Strands 3 and 4 will begin in 2011. The syllabuses for strands 1 and 2, already available in draft form, will be finalised in the light of experience in the 24 project schools, and will issue to all schools this summer. The remaining strands will follow in sequence, informed by the experience in the 24 project schools.
694 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of teachers that have received training in the delivery of project maths to date in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31205/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraBelow are the details of the number of teachers who have accessed support in Project Maths since September 2009.
|
Number |
|
|
Total Attendance WORKSHOP 1 |
4,709 |
|
Total Attendance WORKSHOP 2 |
4,432 |
