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Project for supporting innovation in teaching mathematics through cooperation of schools and the university

Faculties of teacher education which bring together prominent scientists in the field of education should respresent a fruitful soil for innovative solutions in modern teaching. However, the achievements of scientists working at faculties of teacher education are often not directly applicable in teaching practice. Such situation is to a larger degree caused by the lack of unmediated and long-term cooperation of scientists with primary school administration, the classroom environment, and especially pupils and their parents. Little School of Mathematics is the original project involving the afore-mentioned type of cooperation initiated by the university professors of mathematics employed at the Faculty of Teacher Education in Osijek (Pavleković et al.). Accordingly, the Little School of Mathematics was established in the academic year 2003/2004 on the premises of the Faculty of Teacher Education in Osijek, and it constitutes a meeting and collaboration point for university professors / instructors and the students of the Faculty on the one hand, and ten-year-olds, their teachers and their parents on the other. Mentored by the instructors of the Faculty of Teacher Education, the students create, prepare and host workshops with fourth grade pupils of primary schools with special interest in mathematics. Every week during ninety minute sessions throughout two semesters in one academic year pupils expand their knowledge in mathematics and the related fields, and develop abilities to implement the acquired knowledge in everyday situations. On the other hand, through direct contact with pupils the students acquire specific competences required for their future profession. In previous years the Little School of Mathematics has significantly contributed to bringing forth a number of scientific results, one of which is the expert system Mat-Dar designed to detect mathematically gifted children at the age of ten. During the past two years the Little School of Mathematics has also welcomed children with disabilities who exhibit a special interest in mathematics. Moreover, it has also introduced different types of e-learning. By applying the free distance learning management system Moodle, we have provided access to various digital learning materials for students, pupils and teachers, regardless of time or place. Our students complement their workshops with educational simulations and computer games, and explore their efficiency in the classroom setting. The project Little School of Mathematics encourages scientists in the field of teaching mathematics at the Faculty of Teacher Education to pursue research, support a higher quality development of student competences, provide high quality extracurricular support in developing a mathematical gift for all interested ten-year-olds, as well as efficient professional support concerning lifelong learning of teachers, and always with a special emphasis on implementation of innovative and modern-day teaching methods. The Faculty of Teacher Education in Osijek web site contains the created expert system matdar http://matdar.ufos.hr/ for detecting mathematically gifted children at the age of ten, which is currently being tested.

math teaching; supporting innovation; cooperation of schools and the university

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