Norlights Montessoriskole Stavanger undertook “MATH-OOLS” project in collaboration with PASOS and SINDI.  The project grant had been approved by the DIKU (The Norwegian Agency for International Cooperation and Quality Enhancement in Higher Education) in 2018.

The study of “Mathematics Education in Europe, Common Challenges and National Policies” developed by the European Commission states that “the significant proportion of students who do not have basic skills in Mathematics is a concern in Europe. In some countries the rates of underachieving 15-year-olds are especially worrying”.

According to the study “Current issues on Mathematics Education around Europe” carried out by the Education Committee of the European Mathematical Society, it is clear that “teachers’ mathematical knowledge especially at the primary level needs to be reinforced”. 

A recent report by Dutch Royal Academy of Sciences points out the same need in enhancing elementary school teachers’ mathematical content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge. 

The same study “Current issues on Mathematics Education around Europe” suggests providing students the right Math foundations at early ages. 

Mathematical knowledge serves to understand and manage reality and must be started early in life, by different means. If young children acquire a solid foundation in this subject, they will be able to develop their skills and perform optimally throughout their academic and daily lives. 

There is a clear need for teachers to acquire innovative tools that will enable them to give their primary students a solid foundation. 

The European Commission mentions in this study a number of measures to address the low achievement of students, among them: connection of mathematics in everyday life, motivating students in education.

The project consisted of making innovative tools for teaching Mathematics in a more efficient, stimulating, and successful way for primary school students. 

The members of this strategic partnership conducted a period of research and training on teaching methods and best practices in our countries (Norway, Spain and Estonia) that facilitated the creation of intellectual outputs (book, didactic videos and e- learning platform)

The written book documented all the tools and methodologies created.

The didactic videos/ films made aimed at helping teachers to train in a simple, quick, and attractive way. 

The e-learning platform is to ensure that the result of all long work is available to all teachers, facilitating their access to innovative methodologies they can use in their classrooms.