Satisfaction with a course on a new teaching method in mathematics

Satisfaction with a course on a new teaching method in mathematics

Around 16 people attended a distance learning course with Mímir yesterday, Thursday 14th October, on a new teaching method in mathematics at the further education level. Participants came from a wide range of backgrounds and were very enthusiastic about the methodology presented at the course. They included maths teachers in further education, staff from adult education centres, and the National Centre for Learning and Development.

The teaching method has proved effective for students in further education in overcoming their fear of mathematics, which has, more often than not, been their biggest obstacle to their schooling.

The methodology, as explained in the handbook; Reading Mathematics – Self-Empowerment for Mathematics Students which Mímir, in collaboration with Hannes Hilmarsson and the Education Fund, published earlier this year, is based on a holistic approach to mathematics that builds on students' literacy and reading comprehension. The primary aim of the handbook is to pave the way for students in further education with regard to mathematics, and to give them the confidence to tackle the main obstacles in their learning process.

The creator of the methodology, Hannes Hilmarsson, who was also a tutor on the course, has many years of experience teaching mathematics at secondary school level and in speaking with both students and their parents about the barriers to learning mathematics. He now teaches mathematics at Mími's Menntastoðir. Hannes has a degree in his subject, a teaching qualification, and a professional degree in social work.

The handbook can be accessed at mimir.is: https://www.mimir.is/is/mimir/throunarverkefni/ny-og-nyleg-verkefni/ad-lesa-staerdfraedi