Plymouth University to help teachers 'master mathematics' in new government-funded project

Plymouth University has launched a new project to help improve the standard of mathematics teaching in secondary schools across the country. ‘Mastering Mathematics’ is aiming to create a more inspiring approach to maths by focusing upon both teachers’ knowledge of the subject and the way it is taught in classes. It will draw upon good practice from around the world – including countries such as Japan, China and Finland – to create a more ‘collaborative’ and engaging style of lesson, one in which pupils take a more active, problem-solving role. The project, which will work with around 70 schools across seven regions – including the South and West areas of the country, the North East, Wiltshire and Berkshire, and East London – is being funded by the Department for Education’s Teaching Agency. David Burghes, Professor of Mathematics Education at Plymouth University, is coordinating the programme. He said: “There are real issues in our state schools in relation to the teaching of mathematics. It is thought that about half of the country’s 11 to 16-year-olds in the maintained sector are being taught by non-specialists, because there are simply not enough qualified subject teachers.