3 million pound investment for future of science and mathematics education

Professor Ian Diamond, Chief Executive of the ESRC, commented: “I am delighted at this announcement and the opportunity that this co-funding initiative will bring. The successful projects will make a significant impact on a range of policy and practices for science and mathematics learning.”

ESRC Press Office:
Kelly Barnett (Tel: 01793 413032 / 07826874166, email: )
Danielle Moore (Tel: 01793 413122, email: )

NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. Successful projects:

Two from the Education & Professional Studies Department at Kings College, London were successful. Leading one project will be Dr Jeremy Hodgen, focusing on increasing student competence and confidence in Algebra and Multiplicative Reasoning for Key Stage 3. The second project run by Professor Jonathan Osborne will concentrate on science aspirations and career choice for 10-14 year olds.

Professor Michael Reiss of the Mathematics Science and Technology Dept at the Institute of Education will undertake a project to understand the reasons why so few students choose to study Mathematics and Physics at University.

In September 2006, the Key Stage 4 science curriculum changed significantly. Dr James Ryder of the School of Education at the University of Leeds will undertake a review of these changes to assist evaluation of the impact of these changes.

The Faculty of Education at the University of Cambridge will be looking at improving student engagement and learning in physical science and mathematics in early secondary education. This project will be led by Professor Kenneth Ruthven.

The initiative is focused around addressing a number of key research challenges relating to science/mathematics and will address the one or more of four research questions outlined in the original call for proposals.

2. Four research questions to be addressed by the successful projects are: