CHAMPIONING MATHS IN SCHOOLS

MATHEMATIC teachers from across the country are taking part in an innovative national program designed to address the continuous downward trend in students’ mathematics performance since 2003.

The resolve: Mathematics by Inquiry program, managed by the Australian Academy of Science in collaboration with the Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers (AAMT), was formed as a key part of the National STEM School Education Strategy 2016–2026.

The 12-month program provides teachers in Foundation to Year 10 with resources to help ensure students finish school with strong knowledge in mathematics.

It will also aim to inspire senior school students to take on more challenging STEM subjects, including intermediate and advanced mathematics.

In September more than 300 teachers met to begin their year-long journey to become a resolve Champion.

“It has produced teaching and professional learning resources that are innovative, engaging and that promote a spirit of inquiry in school mathematics.”

The teachers were selected from a wide range of locations and school contexts, to trial resolve resources at their schools, conduct professional learning for colleagues, and promote innovation in school maths.

Australian Academy of Science president Professor Andrew Holmes said the workshops that will be rolled out across the country mark an important milestone in the program.

“The workshops will provide an opportunity for the Champions to come together, learn from each other, and utilise the excellent resolve resources,” Professor Holmes said.

“The Academy is delighted with the progress of the resolve project to date.

“It has produced teaching and professional learning resources that are innovative, engaging and that promote a spirit of inquiry in school mathematics.”

resolve: Maths by Inquiry executive director Dr Steve Thornton said the resources have been developed by Australian teachers and academics and informed by world best practice.

“Resources alone do not make the difference,” Dr Thornton said.

“That is why the Champions are such an important part of this project.

“They will promote the resolve spirit of inquiry across Australia now and into the future.”

(L-R) Senator the Hon Marise Payne, Academy Fellow Professor Nalini Joshi, resolve executive director Dr Steve Thornton, Ms Karen Mcdaid from the AAMT, and resolve Champion Shannon Ruskin at the NSW workshop in Sydney.