SMART MATHEMATICS TEACHER

The project SMART-MT contributes to the achieving of Europe 2020 benchmarks: to decrease the number of the low achievers in reading, science and math up to 15% and implement the priority "Smart growth: developing an economy based on knowledge and innovation". Competences in math, science and technology with their emphasis on critical questioning, problem solving are prerequisite for the functioning technologically advanced economy and society. OECD’s PISA data (2015) show that among the three domains, the share of low achievers is the highest in math (EU average - 22,2%), although the competence in math has been identified at EU level as one of the key competences for personal fulfillment, active citizenship, social inclusion and employability in the 21st. In order to address these issues and the challenges the following aim and objectives are foreseen in the project:

The aim - to develop Mathematical Teachers’ Digital Educational Culture to Enhance to Enhance Pupils’ Engagement and Achievement.
The objectives:

1. to enhance Math teachers’ professional development by improving their digital competencies to use Mobile Apps in the teaching process;
2. to support Math teachers to adopt innovative digital practices based on Mobile Apps in order to improve pupils’ mathematical skills and address their underachievement in Math;
3. to strengthen the capacity of Math teachers to develop pupils’ critical thinking and creativity through integration of innovative Mobile Apps based exercises into teaching process;
4. to support Math teachers in dealing with diversity in the classroom through exchange of work based best teaching practices, presented as Open Educational Resources.

Target groups:

• Math and STEAM teachers working in basic schools
• Low-achievers from 5-6 grade (school year), aged 11-12 from disadvantaged backgrounds (facing educational, social-economical, geographical, cultural obstacles) and having special learning needs.

The general methodology of the project is based on the blended learning approach, using the reversed/flipped training methods, micro learning, gamification and Open Educational Resources as well as best practices of peer teachers in partner countries. The two intellectual outputs (O2, O3) are based on the specific methodology - open and innovative digital era Mobile applications approach using problem-oriented experiential and self-directed e-learning.

The main impact on the pupils is decreasing underachievement in Math by providing them with attractive digital tools for learning. The partnership expects that at least 50% of pupils from the target group will start using the newly developed Mobile Apps and will change their attitude towards Math as an interesting an useful subject.
The Math’s teachers will improve their didactic, social and digital competences to use new up-to-date modern tools in the teaching process and which will boost pupils’ motivation, contribute to their engagement in Math and influence better results.