At the start of December the Observatory for Mathematical Education published its introductory report (PDF) which sets out its design concepts, together with preliminary plans for the coming years. Including details of progress on setting up the largest ever cohort studies of mathematical education in England, the report makes the case for the importance of the mathematical sciences and their applications – and for a mathematical education fit for the mid-21st century.
The report explains some of the underpinning principles of the Observatory, including the simple yet ambitious goal to undertake and disseminate an outstanding programme of large-scale longitudinal research supporting the improvement of mathematical education and the long-term benefits for individuals and society; and concludes by detailing the high-level research design, concepts and plans, focusing on the core programme of work.
In future, the Observatory will publish an annual research synthesis based on trend analyses, cohort studies and other research and development activities. It aims to report on historical and emerging successes and disseminate evidence on longstanding systemic problems and the extent to which policies, interventions and practices have addressed, or are addressing, these issues, along with producing focused reports on some of the key aspects of the mathematics education system in England.
Posted on Friday 20th December 2024