Time in Mathematics Education (TiME): A National Study Analysing the Time Allocated to Mathematics at Second Level in Ireland
The launch of a research report analysing the time allocated to mathematics at second level in Ireland will take place during Maths Week on the 19th of October in the Trinity Long Room Hub at from 11am – 1pm. The study, which was funded by the Irish Research Council, was conducted by Dr Niamh O’Meara (University of Limerick - EPI-STEM) and Dr Mark Prendergast (Trinity College Dublin, School of Education – STEM-ERC). Light refreshments will be served afterwards. Please RSVP to the event before the 6th of October by emailing niamh.omeara@ul.ie or mark.prendergast@tcd.ie.
The research is the first of its kind in Ireland, and as such this is the first report to offer insights into the allocation and distribution of mathematics instruction time at second level. Until now, the time profile for mathematics instruction in Ireland has been difficult to quantify, and this study sought to address this gap in research. The overarching finding to emerge is that current arrangements relating to the time allocated to mathematics mask a significant inequity in the treatment of students studying mathematics at all levels and across all years. Although there are national guidelines regarding instruction time available from the Department of Education and Skills, the results of this study suggest that a substantial inequity exists in the time afforded to students to learn mathematics. Depending on the school they attend, the year group they are in, the teacher they are assigned and the level of mathematics they study, students can expect to receive different amounts of instruction time.
