Supporting Mathematics Teachers’ Development through Higher Education

Abstract

Mathematics education, both nationally and internationally, is facing a number of challenges with significant on-going shifts in the structure, content, and core principles of mathematics curricula in countries around the world. For example, in Ireland there was an ambitious reform of the post-primary mathematics curricula in 2010 with further changes proposed in 2018. In light of these changes and concerns regarding ineffective teaching and a lack of continuous professional development, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) has recommended that structures be put in place to facilitate practicing mathematics teachers to achieve postgraduate qualifications, ideally at Masters Level. To facilitate this recommendation, a new Mathematics Education strand of the Master in Education programme in Trinity College Dublin has been developed. This paper outlines the rationale for the new strand, as well as detailing its structure and content.