Johannes Kepler Symposium on Mathematics

As part of the Johannes Kepler symposium on mathematics Prof. em. John O'Donoghue, Department of Mathematics & Statistics, College of Science & Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland, will give a public talk (followed by a discussion) on Wed, March 28, 2012 at 15:15 o'clock at HS 13 on the topic of "Recent developments in school mathematics in Ireland" . The organziers of the symposium,

O.Univ.-Prof. Dr. Ulrich Langer,
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Gerhard Larcher
A.Univ.-Prof. Dr. Jürgen Maaß, and
die ÖMG (Österreichische Mathematische Gesellschaft),

hereby cordially invite you.

Series D - Didactics

Recent developments in school mathematics in Ireland

It is well known and widely reported in the media and elsewhere that Ireland has a significant ‘mathematics problem’. This problem coupled with problems in science education is seen to impact negatively on the country’s ability to progress towards a ‘smart economy’ which is the goal of current government economic and educational policy. The so-called problem spans all levels of education and general mathematical and scientific literacy in the wider adult population. This paper focuses on issues in post-primary mathematics education and related matters and outlines some major new developments that are underway in response to the mathematics problem in Ireland.