Claudia Doman
4 July 2014: The University of Canberra has received a boost to ensure better-equipped mathematics and science teachers thanks to funding from the Australian Government.
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Professor Robert Fitzgerald will lead the project to train maths and science teachers. Photo: Michelle McAulay |
A team of University education researchers received $1,459,912 through the Australian Maths and Science Partnerships Program competitive grants round to develop a national mentoring program for science and mathematics teachers.
Professor Robert Fitzgerald, director of the University's INSPIRE centre and project leader said he was "delighted to receive this funding in such a highly competitive round".
"We will be creating practical, inquiry-based professional development and mentoring designed to make a measurable difference to the quality of science and maths teaching," Professor Fitzgerald, also associate dean (innovation) in the University's Faculty of Education, Science, Mathematics and Technology, said.
"The preparation and ongoing support of maths and science teachers is critical to ensuring the next generation is adequately prepared for the increasingly scientific and mathematical demands of the workplace. Beginning teachers and those who find themselves teaching out of their field, need particular support," he said.
The project will adapt and extend the proven and highly successful Exploratorium Teacher Institute model in San Francisco, US, through a new partnership arrangement. Working through the INSPIRE Centre, the program will develop a mix of intensive workshops, face-to-face and virtual teaching resources and unique professional networks.
Partners in this University of Canberra-led project include Questacon, the Australian National University, the Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers and the Australian Science Teachers Associations.
The University of Canberra was one of 10 Australian universities that shared in $16.4 million of federal funding to develop innovative maths and science projects over the next four years.
