National Centre for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and Learning NCE-MSTL Co-Directors Prof. J. O’Donog

1. National Centre for ExcellenceinMathematics and ScienceTeaching and LearningNCE-MSTLCo-DirectorsProf. J. O’DonoghueDr. G. McClelland

2. NCE-MSTL – Overall Vision To transform teaching and learning in science and mathematics by: • Conducting best practice research into teaching and learning in maths and science • Collaborating and sharing information with all universities and IT’s – key requirement • Provision of advice to the sector – key activity

3. NCE-MSTL • Distributed Centre • University of Limerick is lead institution • Supported by centres of expertise which already exist in • UL, • MIC, • LIT • ITT • Success depends on a coordinated effort from all Consortium institutions

4. Appointments • Administrator:- Helen Fitzgerald • Liaison Officer:- Michelle Starr • Senior Projects Officers • Biological Sciences: Maeve Liston • Mathematics: Máire Ní Ríordáin • Physical Sciences: Jennifer Johnston • Projects Officers • Biological Sciences: Joanne Broggy • Mathematics: Miriam Liston • Physical Sciences: Sarah Hayes

5. BSc(Ed) Biological Sciences BSc(Ed)Physical Science BSc Physical Education PE with elective in Mathematics Junior and Senior Mathematics 4 Year Honours Degree with concurrent Teacher Education Background 1 – Teacher Education in UL

6. Mathematics – John O’Donoghue Physics – George McClelland Chemistry – Peter Childs Life Sciences – Frank McGourty Background 2 - Academic Staff

7. Background 3 - Research • Science Education • Active research in • Physics – 3 postgraduates • Chemistry – 4 postgraduates • Life Sciences 3 postgraduates • CAMET Ireland (http://www.ul.ie/camet/) • Biggest active centre for Mathematics Education research • Currently 15 postgraduate students • Recognised as world-class

8. Idea for National Centre in early 1990s Founding of UL – incorporation of Thomond College Proposal made to Minister in 1999 Learner Support infrastructure developed Mathematics Learning Centre - 2000 Science Learning Centre - 2003 Regional Centre for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching and Learning 2007 Regional Centre for Science Teaching and Learning - 2007 Stepping Stones

9. Learning Centres Mathematics • Website:- http://www.ul.ie/~mlc/ • Manager – Dr. Olivia Gill • Director – Prof. John O’Donoghue Science • Website:- http://www.ul.ie/~slc/ • Manager – Mr. Barry Fitzgerald • Director – Dr. G. McClelland

10. Regional Centres:- Mathematics (CEMTL)Science (RCSTL) • HEA funding – SIF Cycle 1 (3 years) • Regionalisation of learner support • T & L materials on-line • Innovative pedagogies • Peer Learning, Primary Science • Websites:- http://WWW.ul.ie/~cemtl/ http://www.ul.ie/~rcstl/

11. NCE-MSTL • Culmination of developing vision • Recognises the urgent need for initiatives to address the crisis in these subjects • Acknowledgement by Government of the importance of teaching and learning of mathematics and science to the economic, social and cultural future of this country.

12. National ? • The NCE-MSTL will encourage stakeholders to become involved, including • Teachers • Academics • Industry • Government bodies • Extensive outreach and networking • Research linkages • Delivery of CPD • Exchange of ideas

13. Themes 1 - Resources • Establish a physical presence in all partner institutions • Establish a major physical presence in UL • Dedicated teaching space • Exhibition/display area • Resource Centre • Accommodation for administrative and research staff • Laboratory (state-of-the-art second level) • Establish the NCE-MSTL website • National facility. • locus of resources, support and innovation for mathematics and science educators and students. • Repository for T & L resources in each institution and, accessible nationally, on the website.

14. Themes 2 - Research • Relevant projects in Science and Mathematics • Extensive publication and dissemination of research findings • Review international research and translate into practice • Level of research activity will • require at least 10-15 PhD completions • generate at least 20-25 refereed publications, 3 Annual Reports, published proceedings of International Symposium, and extensive T & L materials in electronic and print media.

15. Themes 3 - CPD Design, inform, advise on, and deliver:- Nationally recognised courses and nationally accessible routes for • top-up qualifications • qualification of out-of-area teachers of mathematics and/or science

16. Themes 4 - Liaison Full-time Liaison Officer to (inter alia) • Liaise with industry, schools, the VECs, the HEA, the Consortium partners, academic departments, and 3rd level institutions nationwide • Seek and pursue sources of funding for NCE-MSTL activities • Devise and implement activities aimed at popularising and promoting mathematics and science • Plan, prepare and source exhibits and display material for mathematics and science, including travelling exhibits and roadshows • Organise, run and participate in programmes of schools visits • Play a major role in the organisation and running of activities for teachers and students • Build a network of careers guidance teachers • developments in mathematics and science based careers

17. Acknowledgements We acknowledge the support already provided by • Senior Management in UL • The Faculty of Science and Engineering in UL, particularly the Departments of • Mathematics and Statistics • Chemical and Environmental Science • Life Sciences • Physics • The Shannon Consortium • The Centre for Teaching and Learning in UL • The Department of Education and Science and the HEA