Teaching Mathematics – Overcoming Challenges
Summary of TCA outcomes
This event was a regional TCA with the aim to explore effective practices in the teaching of mathematics. There were 44 participants from five countries, including third countries not associated to the programme (Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, North Macedonia and Serbia). Participants were teachers from elementary schools, grammar schools and VET schools, as well as one staff member from a higher education institution and two students – future teachers. Before the physical event, we also held a preparatory online meeting where participants were presented with opportunities within the Erasmus+ Programme, as well as eTwinning. The event was co-organized with the NA from North Macedonia.
The programme for the TCA was developed with the help of one teacher from Serbia and one from North Macedonia, who also acted as trainers in workshop sessions. As can be seen from the event agenda, the first day was dedicated to plenary sessions, with presentations and panel discussions on the challenges mathematics teachers are facing and potential solutions, with the focus on innovative approaches and methods reflected in the presented examples of good practice. eTwinning was highlighted as one way lessons can be made more attractive and interactive for pupils/students and one of the three workshops was dedicated to it as well. All participants took part in all three workshops, with the exception of participants from North Macedonia, who had to leave earlier because of an early flight and were only able to participate in one workshop each.
The participants were able to exchange ideas, insights on the challenges and accomplishments from the countries of the region.
Participants
- gained knowledge on how to use innovative methodologies in math lessons in order to increase student engagement and achievements,
- shared insights and best practices in teaching maths with their colleagues,
- were introduced to a variety of best practice examples,
- Learned about training opportunities through Erasmus+,
- Learned about and how to use eTwinning in math lessons,
- Were motivated to apply gained knowledge and connect with other teachers for future projects.
After the event, we asked our participants to evaluate the TCA. Generally speaking, participants were very satisfied with the event, both when it comes to the format as well as the content of the event. The results of the evaluation clearly showed that the participants were satisfied with the choice of speakers and with the opportunities to interact during different sessions. Most participants agree that the expected outcomes of the event were achieved.
Types of outcomes
Explain your choice(s)
Erasmus+ highlights the importance of increasing the quality of teaching and learning in the school education and VET sectors, as well as highlighting the importance of mathematics through the Programme priority centered around STE(A)M and promoting interest for these subjects. Different challenges face mathematics teachers nowadays (extensive curricula, course books, limited teacher autonomy, pupils’ motivation, etc.), but we chose to focus on those aspects teachers have most control over – the teaching itself and how different methods can be used to increase pupil involvement.
In that respect, the aim of the event was to introduce teachers and inspire them to integrate different methods and ways of teaching into their every day work – from project-based learning over gamification to eTwinning projects.