Career Mathways 2.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In December 2019, Dr Niamh O’Meara, Dr Olivia Fitzmaurice and Dr Patrick Johnson were awarded further funding from Science Foundation Ireland [SFI] under their Discover Scheme to continue the work on the Career Mathways initiative. Career Mathways, is an exciting and novel initiative, which highlights the prevalence of mathematics and other STEM disciplines in a vast range of careers. In Phase 1 of the project, which was also funded by SFI and the Irish Independent, the research team will collaborated with well-known, high-profile Irish personalities and professionals in order to make STEM, and mathematics in particular, more visible and fascinating to students. The team created and piloted a Transition Year (TY) teaching and learning package which comprised of videos and posters of our celebrities and professionals informing us how mathematics underpins and enhances their everyday lives and careers; stimulating and informative teaching and learning guides and innovative student booklets which provide opportunities to practice STEM-related, problem-based tasks and demonstrate that demonstrate the relevance and usefulness of mathematics. In Phase 2 of the project the research team will develop an online platform where all resources will be disseminated with participating teachers whilst a much stronger emphasis will be on teacher professional development so that teachers have ownership over the lessons and materials created. The team will continue to collaborate with well-known, high-profile Irish celebrities/professionals by inviting them to become STEM Ambassadors, to make mathematics more visible/fascinating to students. If your school would be interested in participating in this novel initiative please contact Dr Niamh O’Meara (Niamh.omeara@ul.ie) or keep an eye on the EPI STEM website (www.epistem.ie) where we will be advertising for Expressions of Interest in the near future.