PYTHAGORAS
▶Summary
We applied for this project because we believe that mathematics education plays a crucial role in developing STEM competencies, yet it is often perceived as abstract and difficult to apply in real...
▶Objectives
Our goal with the PYTHAGORAS project was to make mathematics education more engaging, inclusive, and practical by integrating real-life applications and leveraging digital tools. Traditional teaching methods do not always accommodate different learning styles, making it difficult for some students to grasp essential concepts. By modernizing the approach, we aimed to create a more interactive and personalized learning experience, connecting mathematics to real-world problems relevant to students' fields of study. Additionally, we sought to improve the efficiency of teaching through innovative digital resources, gamification, and blended learning. PYTHAGORAS envisions a shift from large lecture-based teaching to a more student-centered approach, ensuring that new undergraduate students have the necessary foundational mathematical knowledge. The project also focuses on evaluating key aspects such as mathematical content, learning processes, perceptions of mathematics, and the personal characteristics of both students and teachers.
▶Activities
In our project, we implemented several key activities aimed at making mathematics learning more personalized, inclusive, engaging, and connected to the real world. These activities include: - development of an online pre-calculus module, tailored to the prerequisites of first-year students at partner institutions. This module integrates real-life applications relevant to students' fields of study and is openly accessible. - creation of an Automated Formative Assessment Software, enabling students to test their knowledge in pre-calculus and other STEM subjects while receiving constructive feedback to address their weaknesses. - integration of gamification techniques, particularly reward-based gamification, to enhance student motivation and engagement in learning mathematics. - organization of training events (LTT), where students and teachers learn innovative mathematics teaching and learning methods from experts. - hosting two series of online colloquial talks, featuring experts discussing pedagogy and technology in mathematics education, aiming to modernize teaching approaches beyond the COVID-19 era. - implementation of micro-credentials, allowing learners to earn certifications ranging from 5 to 20 ECTS for their participation in the project's educational activities. - accreditation of educational activities within the curricula of partner universities, ensuring formal recognition of the project's learning outcomes. These actions contribute to a more dynamic and effective approach to mathematics education.