The Minister for Research and Innovation, Sean Sherlock, TD, today (Friday, 8th March) told a major national education conference at the University of Limerick that Ireland’s long term economic and social progress will depend on significant improvement in mathematical education.

Minister Sherlock pointed out, “Understanding almost any issue requires the problem solving and reasoning skills that are integral parts of a good mathematical education. International evidence points to the most innovative societies being those where students perform well in maths. While Ireland is not performing badly, we’ve got to aim to ensure that learners at all levels in our education system have a good understanding of maths and how it can be best applied.”

The event ‘Why Maths Matters’ is being hosted by the National Centre for Excellence in Maths and Science Teaching and Learning at the University of Limerick and chaired by Professor Sarah Moore, Associate Vice President at UL and Chair of the new National Council on Teaching and Learning in Ireland. The event, which has been organised by the Higher Education Authority (HEA), National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) and the University of Limerick (UL) is bringing together almost 150 of the country’s leading mathematical thinkers, educators and businesspeople to share experiences and to identify ways in which maths education can be improved as well as forging greater linkages between all levels in the system.

The keynote speaker was Professor Bill Barton of the University of Auckland, New Zealand, one of the world’s leading authorities on mathematical education.

Professor Don Barry, UL President, who opened the conference, commented: “According to a recent report, approximately 48% of our mathematics teachers at post-primary level have no actual qualification in mathematics teaching. It is reasonable to assume that this fact is contributing to the numbers of students dropping maths studies in school. It is for this reason that the National Centre for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and Learning was created at UL – to research, co-ordinate, support and implement programmes to enhance Irish science and mathematics teaching and learning at all levels.  This national resource is not localised to the Limerick area, and will benefit teachers, students and school communities around the country.”

Anne Looney, Chief Executive of the NCCA has said: “The challenge of mathematics education in Ireland is one that stretches from early years education to the post doctoral level and beyond. It's not just about what happens in formal classroom or lecture settings, but in the way we communicate about mathematics and about the study of maths for its own sake - not just because of its importance for economic growth.”

ENDS