Relevant initiatives

Learning mathematics through new communication factors

Cyprus Mathematical Society

2012-2014

European

Yes

LLP, Comenius

Learning mathematics through new communication factors

Cyprus Mathematical Society

518094-LLP-1-2011-1-GR-COMENIUS-CMP

Online course, Teaching Methodology, Video, Didactical resource

Maths, Science

Bulgarian, Other EU, Romanian, Spanish, English

Teachers, Students

Instead of studying mathematics (and other subjects) many pupils prefer to spend most of their time watching TV programmes or playing electronic games or exchanging messages with their mobile phone, exchanging pictures, exchanging videos, competing etc. One way to bring pupils back to the “playing field” of education is to use similar tools (weapons) like the “opponents”, that is to communicate the learning of mathematics in a non-traditional way, like a game through theatre or competitions similar to the well-known X-Factor and other. This project intends to develop new methodologies in learning and teaching mathematics to pupils of age 9-18, which can be used in any school environment.
It will also make learning more attractive and enjoyable for all pupils and will strengthen students’ skills for creative thinking.

The aim of this project is the development of methodology in teaching and learning mathematics with the creation of two main tools that can be used by teachers. The methods will be created in such a way so that they can be used in an in-service training course for teachers who teach mathematics to pupils of age 9-18. The two methods are:
A. MATHeatre: Teaching and learning mathematics through math theatre activities
B. MATHFactor: Teaching and learning mathematics through mathematics communication activities
It is a very interesting idea and the project portal offers a number of various resources that can be used both from teachers and from students. For example: videos presenting the two methods in practice:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OM945oBQM5c&list=PLpPvt2LgHCYd1FyEv7D2DK55Txdn8DsNF (MATHFactor)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR1qtHDh8ik&list=PLpPvt2LgHCYcjZrGzCHMishvEadO6Kqpf (MATHeater)
The project offers also training seminars and webinars: http://www.le-math.eu/index.php?id=528
There are also guidelines of how to apply the two methods: http://www.le-math.eu/assets/files/MATHeatre%20Guidelines%20-%20EN%20-%20Internet.pdf
And http://www.le-math.eu/assets/files/MATH%20FACTOR%20GUIDELINES%20online%20pdf%281%29.pdf
The full list of project deliverables can be found here: http://www.le-math.eu/index.php?id=17
One of the best sides of the project is that it is available in many languages, Bulgarian included.

I like this initiative because it offers resources very useful and necessary for the pedagogical practice of math teachers. It is really innovative creating methods for teaching mathematics, which are interdisciplinary and have the potential to attract students be active players in the education process. I think a serious factor for the sustainability and implementation of this initiative in real practice in Bulgarian schools is the fact that it offers deliverables in Bulgarian. Furthermore I like the fact that there are good practices shared from teachers

Mathematics has always been one of the subjects which is very difficult to understand. This project is good, because it offers different approach to teaching of mathematics which is more interesting for students. Thus students can have fun and learn the difficult lessons.