Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 March 2014
314. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Education and Skills regarding the recently published chief inspector's report for 2010 to 2012, which found that there are weaknesses in the teaching and learning of mathematics in a significant proportion of schools, the measures being taken to address these weaknesses and to the teaching and learning of mathematics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13146/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Chief Inspector's Report (2010-2012) highlights satisfactory or better teaching approaches of Mathematics in 83% of lessons observed during unannounced inspections at primary level. Primary inspectors also judged that pupils' learning was appropriately consolidated in 86% of Maths lessons.
At second level, inspectors judged the quality of teaching in Maths to be satisfactory or better in 77% of Maths lessons and they judged the quality of learning to be satisfactory or better in 74% of lessons. However, the report does highlight a number of areas in relation to the teaching of Mathematics, particularly at second level, where improvement is required.
At primary level, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment is to commence the development of a revised mathematics curriculum for primary schools that will link with the structure of the junior cycle maths syllabus. At second level new Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate Mathematics syllabuses were introduced to address issues with teaching and learning mathematics, to move away from rote learning and to deepen students' understanding of the subject by: Changing the mathematics syllabi for both junior and senior cycle; Changing the focus of certificate examinations in mathematics; Providing a comprehensive in-service programmes for all mathematics teachers; Providing comprehensive classroom resources (both hard copy and on-line).
The introduction of Project Maths was supported by the introduction of a Professional Diploma in Mathematics for Teaching to upskill 'out-of-field' teachers of Mathematics which was launched in September 2012. The course is jointly accredited by the University of Limerick and NUI Galway and some 600 teachers are participating in this Diploma. The Professional Diploma represents an investment of €3.267 million to date.
There have been concerns that students are not confident enough to study for higher level mathematics in the Leaving Certificate. To encourage more students to study and to then present for certification at the higher level, the third level institutions have allocated 25 bonus points to students who achieve a grade D or above in higher level mathematics. This has resulted in an increase in participation. In 2011 some 15.8% of the Leaving Certificate candidates sat the higher level paper. This had risen to 25.6% in 2013. In all, this was a rise of 58% over 3 years. The number of students who have indicated that they wish to sit the higher level examination this summer has also risen. Some 17,181 students have indicated their intention to take higher level – up 70% on this time in 2011. Of course some students may reverse this decision but students' confidence in their ability to take higher level mathematics is rising.
