Technological Maths

This report was prepared by Professor Richard Kimbell and Richard Green of the Technology Education Research Unit (TERU) as a result of a project commissioned by The Engineering Council in June 1996. The brief for the project was to examine the use of mathematics as a tool to support Technology Enhancement Programme (TEP) activities in the school curriculum.

It involved two strands of activity:

• identifying the presentation of mathematics in selected TEP textbooks
• investigating the use of mathematics in conjunction with technology in three TEP schools

Contents:

Section 1: Existing research to inform this project • Maths by Design • The Centre for Innovation in Maths Teaching • Science with Technology Project

Section 2: Maths in design and technology • The curriculum • Implicit and explicit maths demands • Teacher attitudes to maths

Section 3: Matters for investigation • Maths & technology in school • Maths & technology in TEP published materials

Section 4: Issues emerging from our investigation 1. TEP materials and the ability level of pupils 2. The maths competence of teaching staff 3. Evidence of mismatch of curriculum 4. Collaboration between teachers 5. The compartmentalising of learning 6. Using TEP textbooks

Section 5: Recommendations 1. A comprehensive map of existing TEP materials and resources 2. Maths for technology 3. A pedagogy for “enhancement” 4. Enhancing collaborative planning in maths and technology 5. TEP materials and the ʻtarget groupʼ