Mathematics curriculum in Ireland: The ınfluence of PISA on the development of project maths
Keywords:
Mathematics education, PISA, Project Maths, Policy development, IrelandAbstract
This article interrogates the extent to which the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) through its Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) influenced the development of Project Maths, a new second-level mathematics education policy in Ireland. It argues that the Irish government, in its revision of mathematics education policy, was strongly influenced by PISA and that concern with the country’s ‘average’ placement in the international assessment was instrumental in defining the direction of the revision. It traces the genetic imprint of PISA on the development of curriculum policy, the new mathematics syllabus, its content and assessment. It argues that Project Maths sets out to follow closely the PISA conceptual framework. However, the analysis finds that Project Maths is not a mini-PISA but that the programme is comprised of two distinct approaches, on the one hand retaining the abstract, symbolic mathematics of sections of the pre-existing curriculum, while on the other emphasizing a PISA-like approach to pedagogy and to real-life problem solving.
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References
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Bieber, T., & Martens, K. (2011). The OECD PISA Study as a Soft Power in Education? Lessons from Switzerland and the US. European Journal of Education, 46(1), 101-116.
Carvalho, L. M. (2012). The fabrications and travels of a knowledge-policy instrument. European Educational Research Journal, 11(2), 172-188.
Clarke, M. (2012). The (absent) politics of neo-liberal education policy. Critical Studies in Education, 53(3), 297-310.
Close, S., & Oldham, E. (2005). Junior Cycle Mathematics Examinations and the PISA Mathematics Framework. In Sean Close, Therese Dooley, & Dolores Corcoran (Eds.), Proceedings of First National Conference on Research on Mathematics Education (MEI 1) Mathematics Education in Ireland: A Research Perspective (pp. 185-204). Dublin: St. Patrick’s College of Education.
Conway, P., & Sloane, F. (2005). International Trends in Post-Primary Mathematics Education: Perspectives on Learning, Teaching and Assessment. Dublin: NCCA.
Cosgrove, J., Oldham, E., & Close, S. (2005). Assessment of mathematics in PISA 2003: Achievements of Irish 15-Year-Olds in an international context. Paper presented at the Proceedings of the First National Conference of Research in Mathematics Education, Dublin: St. Patrick’s College.
Cosgrove, J., Shiel, G., Sofroniou, N., Zastrutzki, S., & Shortt, F. (2004). Education for Life: The Achievements of 15-year-olds in Ireland in the Second Cycle of PISA. Retrieved from: http://www.erc.ie/documents/p03education_for_life_main_report.pdf
de Lange, J. (2006). Mathematical Literacy for Living from OECD-PISA Perspective. Tsukuba Journal of Educational Study in Mathematics,, 25, 13-35; http://www.human.tsukuba.ac.jp/~mathedu/journal/vol25/lange.pdf, accessed 22-12-2011.
Department of Education. (1992). The Leaving Certificate Mathematics Syllabus, (Higher and Ordinary Level). Dublin: The Stationary Office.
DES. (2000). Junior Certificate Mathematics Syllabus (Higher, Ordinary and Foundation Level). Dublin: The Stationery Office.
DES (2010). [DES Reply to IMTA meeting re: IMTA policy on Project Maths].
DES/NCCA. (2010). Leaving Certificate Mathematics Syllabus Foundation, Ordinary and Higher Level For examination in 2012 only. Retrieved from: http://www.ncca.ie/en/Curriculum_and_Assessment/Post-Primary_Education/Project_Maths/Syllabuses_and_Assessment/LC_Maths_for_examination_in_2012.pdf
DES/NCCA. (2011a). Junior Certificate Mathematics Syllabus: Foundation, Ordinary and Higher Level: for examination in 2014 only. Retrieved from: http://www.ncca.ie/en/Curriculum_and_Assessment/Post-Primary_Education/Project_Maths/Syllabuses_and_Assessment/JC_Maths_for_examination_in_2014.pdf
DES/NCCA. (2011b). Leaving Certificate Mathematics Syllabus Foundation, Ordinary and Higher Level For examination in 2013 only. Retrieved from: http://www.ncca.ie/en/Curriculum_and_Assessment/Post-Primary_Education/Project_Maths/Syllabuses_and_Assessment/Leaving_Cert_Maths_syllabus_for_examination_in_2013.pdf
DES/NCCA. (2012a). Junior Certificate Mathematics Syllabus: Foundation, Ordinary and Higher Level: for examination in 2015 only. Retrieved from: http://www.ncca.ie/en/Curriculum_and_Assessment/Post-Primary_Education/Project_Maths/Syllabuses_and_Assessment/JC_Maths_for_examination_in_2015.pdf
DES/NCCA. (2012b). Leaving Certificate Mathematics Syllabus Foundation, Ordinary and Higher Level For examination in 2014 only. Retrieved from: http://www.ncca.ie/en/Curriculum_and_Assessment/Post-Primary_Education/Project_Maths/Syllabuses_and_Assessment/LC_Maths_for_examination_in_2014.pdf
Educational Research Centre. (2015). Educational Research Centre, PISA. Retrieved 12 May 2015, 2015, from http://www.erc.ie/?p=7
Eivers, E. (2010). PISA: Issues in Implementation and Interpretation. The Irish Journal of Education / Iris Eireannach an Oideachais, 38, 94-118.
Eivers, E., Shiel, G., & Cunninghan, R. (2008). Ready for Tomorrow's World? The Competencies of Ireland’s 15-year-olds in PISA 2006 Main Report. Retrieved from: http://www.erc.ie/documents/p06ready_for_tomorrows_world_main_report.pdf
Forfás/ICSTI. (1999). Benchmarking School Science, Technology and Mathematics Education in Ireland Against International Good Practice. Retrieved from: http://www.sciencecouncil.ie/media/icsti990901a_benchmarking_school_education.pdf
Foucault, M. (1977). Discipline and Punish: the Birth of the Prison (A. Sheridan, Trans. First ed.). London: Penguin.
Grannell, J. J., Barry, P. D., Cronin, M., Holland, F., & Hurley, D. (2011). Interim Report on Project Maths. Retrieved from: http://www.ucc.ie/en/euclid/projectmaths/ProjectMathsInterimReport_Nov2011.pdf
Grek, S. (2009). Governing by Numbers: the PISA 'effect' in Europe. Journal of Education Policy, 24(1), 23-37.
ICSTI. (1999). Benchmarking School Science, Technology and Mathematics Education in Ireland Against International Good Practice. Retrieved from: http://www.sciencecouncil.ie/media/icsti990901a_benchmarking_school_education.pdf
Merriman, B., Shiel, G., Cosgrove, J., & Perkins, R. (2014). Project Maths and PISA 2012. Dublin: ERC.
NCCA. (2002). Mathematics, Junior Certificate, Guidelines for Teachers. Dublin: The Stationery Office.
NCCA. (2008). Developing Post-Primary mathematics education; Project Maths-an overview. Retrieved from: http://www.ncca.ie/uploadedfiles/publications/vacancies/project%20maths%20overview.pdf
NCCA. (2015). Project Maths. Retrieved 16 May 2015, from http://www.ncca.ie/en/Curriculum_and_Assessment/Post-Primary_Education/Project_Maths/
O'Connor, M., Mitchell,. (2012). School Curriculum – Question to Minister Ruairí Quinn. Dáil Debates, 772(2), 18. Retrieved from
O'Sullivan, B. (2012). Project Maths doesn't quite add up. Irish Examiner online. Retrieved from: http://www.irishexaminer.com/analysis/project-maths-doesnt-quite-add-up-197281.html
OECD. (1999a). Measuring Student Knowledge and Skills: A New Framework for Assessment. Retrieved from: http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/45/32/33693997.pdf
OECD. (1999b). Measuring Student Knowledge and Skills: The PISA 2000 Assessment of Reading, Mathematical and Scientific Literacy. Paris: OECD.
OECD. (2002). Programme for International Student Assessment Sample tasks from the PISA 2000: assessment of reading, mathematical and scientific literacy. Retrieved from: http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/44/62/33692744.pdf
OECD. (2015). Programme for International Assessment (PISA). Retrieved 17 May 2015, from http://www.oecd.org/pisa/aboutpisa/
Oldham, E. (1991). Second level mathematics curricula: The republic of Ireland in international perspective. Irish Educational Studies, 10(1), 122-138.
Oldham, E. (1992). Junior cycle mathematics curricula in the republic of Ireland 1960–1990 : Genesis, exodus and numbers. Irish Educational Studies, 11(1), 134-150.
Oldham, E. (2001). The culture of mathematics education in the republic of Ireland: Keeping the faith? Irish Educational Studies, 20(1), 266-277.
Oldham, E. (2002). The Performance of Irish Students in Mathematical Literacy in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). The Irish Journal of Education / Iris Eireannach an Oideachais, 33, 31-52.
Ozga, J. (2012). Assessing PISA. European Educational Research Journal, 11(2), 166-171.
Project Maths. (2010). Retrieved 18 November 2010, from http://www.projectmaths.ie/october-2010/
Project Maths website. (2011). The Purpose of this Document. Project Maths Website. Retrieved from: Ref: http://www.projectmaths.ie/problem-solving-questions/Context_Based_Problems_SR1_Final_SK.pdf?utm_source=Project+Maths+mailing+list&utm_campaign=084bf88b43-Project_Maths_News_Update20_11_2011&utm_medium=email
Rizvi, F., & Lingard, B. (2010). Globalizing Education Policy. London and New York: Routledge.
SEC. (2010). Report on the Trialling of Leaving Certificate Sample Papers for Phase 1 of Project Maths in the twenty-four initial schools. 111. Retrieved from: http://www.examinations.ie/schools/Report_on_Trial_final.pdf
Shiel, G., Cosgrove, J., Sonfroniou, N., & Kelly, A. (2001). Ready for Life? The Literacy Achievements of Irish 15-year olds with Comparative International Data. Retrieved from: http://www.erc.ie/documents/p00ready_for_life_main_report.pdf
Stack, C., & Other Maths Professionals. (2012). Major Flaws in Project Maths. Website. Retrieved from: http://www.projectmaths.com/index.php/news-comments/
Torrance, H. (2009). Using Assessment in Education Reform. In H. Daniels, H. Lauder, & J. Porter (Eds.), Knowledge, Values and Educational Policy, A Critical Perspective. London, New York: Routledge.
Bieber, T., & Martens, K. (2011). The OECD PISA Study as a Soft Power in Education? Lessons from Switzerland and the US. European Journal of Education, 46(1), 101-116.
Carvalho, L. M. (2012). The fabrications and travels of a knowledge-policy instrument. European Educational Research Journal, 11(2), 172-188.
Clarke, M. (2012). The (absent) politics of neo-liberal education policy. Critical Studies in Education, 53(3), 297-310.
Close, S., & Oldham, E. (2005). Junior Cycle Mathematics Examinations and the PISA Mathematics Framework. In Sean Close, Therese Dooley, & Dolores Corcoran (Eds.), Proceedings of First National Conference on Research on Mathematics Education (MEI 1) Mathematics Education in Ireland: A Research Perspective (pp. 185-204). Dublin: St. Patrick’s College of Education.
Conway, P., & Sloane, F. (2005). International Trends in Post-Primary Mathematics Education: Perspectives on Learning, Teaching and Assessment. Dublin: NCCA.
Cosgrove, J., Oldham, E., & Close, S. (2005). Assessment of mathematics in PISA 2003: Achievements of Irish 15-Year-Olds in an international context. Paper presented at the Proceedings of the First National Conference of Research in Mathematics Education, Dublin: St. Patrick’s College.
Cosgrove, J., Shiel, G., Sofroniou, N., Zastrutzki, S., & Shortt, F. (2004). Education for Life: The Achievements of 15-year-olds in Ireland in the Second Cycle of PISA. Retrieved from: http://www.erc.ie/documents/p03education_for_life_main_report.pdf
de Lange, J. (2006). Mathematical Literacy for Living from OECD-PISA Perspective. Tsukuba Journal of Educational Study in Mathematics,, 25, 13-35; http://www.human.tsukuba.ac.jp/~mathedu/journal/vol25/lange.pdf, accessed 22-12-2011.
Department of Education. (1992). The Leaving Certificate Mathematics Syllabus, (Higher and Ordinary Level). Dublin: The Stationary Office.
DES. (2000). Junior Certificate Mathematics Syllabus (Higher, Ordinary and Foundation Level). Dublin: The Stationery Office.
DES (2010). [DES Reply to IMTA meeting re: IMTA policy on Project Maths].
DES/NCCA. (2010). Leaving Certificate Mathematics Syllabus Foundation, Ordinary and Higher Level For examination in 2012 only. Retrieved from: http://www.ncca.ie/en/Curriculum_and_Assessment/Post-Primary_Education/Project_Maths/Syllabuses_and_Assessment/LC_Maths_for_examination_in_2012.pdf
DES/NCCA. (2011a). Junior Certificate Mathematics Syllabus: Foundation, Ordinary and Higher Level: for examination in 2014 only. Retrieved from: http://www.ncca.ie/en/Curriculum_and_Assessment/Post-Primary_Education/Project_Maths/Syllabuses_and_Assessment/JC_Maths_for_examination_in_2014.pdf
DES/NCCA. (2011b). Leaving Certificate Mathematics Syllabus Foundation, Ordinary and Higher Level For examination in 2013 only. Retrieved from: http://www.ncca.ie/en/Curriculum_and_Assessment/Post-Primary_Education/Project_Maths/Syllabuses_and_Assessment/Leaving_Cert_Maths_syllabus_for_examination_in_2013.pdf
DES/NCCA. (2012a). Junior Certificate Mathematics Syllabus: Foundation, Ordinary and Higher Level: for examination in 2015 only. Retrieved from: http://www.ncca.ie/en/Curriculum_and_Assessment/Post-Primary_Education/Project_Maths/Syllabuses_and_Assessment/JC_Maths_for_examination_in_2015.pdf
DES/NCCA. (2012b). Leaving Certificate Mathematics Syllabus Foundation, Ordinary and Higher Level For examination in 2014 only. Retrieved from: http://www.ncca.ie/en/Curriculum_and_Assessment/Post-Primary_Education/Project_Maths/Syllabuses_and_Assessment/LC_Maths_for_examination_in_2014.pdf
Educational Research Centre. (2015). Educational Research Centre, PISA. Retrieved 12 May 2015, 2015, from http://www.erc.ie/?p=7
Eivers, E. (2010). PISA: Issues in Implementation and Interpretation. The Irish Journal of Education / Iris Eireannach an Oideachais, 38, 94-118.
Eivers, E., Shiel, G., & Cunninghan, R. (2008). Ready for Tomorrow's World? The Competencies of Ireland’s 15-year-olds in PISA 2006 Main Report. Retrieved from: http://www.erc.ie/documents/p06ready_for_tomorrows_world_main_report.pdf
Forfás/ICSTI. (1999). Benchmarking School Science, Technology and Mathematics Education in Ireland Against International Good Practice. Retrieved from: http://www.sciencecouncil.ie/media/icsti990901a_benchmarking_school_education.pdf
Foucault, M. (1977). Discipline and Punish: the Birth of the Prison (A. Sheridan, Trans. First ed.). London: Penguin.
Grannell, J. J., Barry, P. D., Cronin, M., Holland, F., & Hurley, D. (2011). Interim Report on Project Maths. Retrieved from: http://www.ucc.ie/en/euclid/projectmaths/ProjectMathsInterimReport_Nov2011.pdf
Grek, S. (2009). Governing by Numbers: the PISA 'effect' in Europe. Journal of Education Policy, 24(1), 23-37.
ICSTI. (1999). Benchmarking School Science, Technology and Mathematics Education in Ireland Against International Good Practice. Retrieved from: http://www.sciencecouncil.ie/media/icsti990901a_benchmarking_school_education.pdf
Merriman, B., Shiel, G., Cosgrove, J., & Perkins, R. (2014). Project Maths and PISA 2012. Dublin: ERC.
NCCA. (2002). Mathematics, Junior Certificate, Guidelines for Teachers. Dublin: The Stationery Office.
NCCA. (2008). Developing Post-Primary mathematics education; Project Maths-an overview. Retrieved from: http://www.ncca.ie/uploadedfiles/publications/vacancies/project%20maths%20overview.pdf
NCCA. (2015). Project Maths. Retrieved 16 May 2015, from http://www.ncca.ie/en/Curriculum_and_Assessment/Post-Primary_Education/Project_Maths/
O'Connor, M., Mitchell,. (2012). School Curriculum – Question to Minister Ruairí Quinn. Dáil Debates, 772(2), 18. Retrieved from
O'Sullivan, B. (2012). Project Maths doesn't quite add up. Irish Examiner online. Retrieved from: http://www.irishexaminer.com/analysis/project-maths-doesnt-quite-add-up-197281.html
OECD. (1999a). Measuring Student Knowledge and Skills: A New Framework for Assessment. Retrieved from: http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/45/32/33693997.pdf
OECD. (1999b). Measuring Student Knowledge and Skills: The PISA 2000 Assessment of Reading, Mathematical and Scientific Literacy. Paris: OECD.
OECD. (2002). Programme for International Student Assessment Sample tasks from the PISA 2000: assessment of reading, mathematical and scientific literacy. Retrieved from: http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/44/62/33692744.pdf
OECD. (2015). Programme for International Assessment (PISA). Retrieved 17 May 2015, from http://www.oecd.org/pisa/aboutpisa/
Oldham, E. (1991). Second level mathematics curricula: The republic of Ireland in international perspective. Irish Educational Studies, 10(1), 122-138.
Oldham, E. (1992). Junior cycle mathematics curricula in the republic of Ireland 1960–1990 : Genesis, exodus and numbers. Irish Educational Studies, 11(1), 134-150.
Oldham, E. (2001). The culture of mathematics education in the republic of Ireland: Keeping the faith? Irish Educational Studies, 20(1), 266-277.
Oldham, E. (2002). The Performance of Irish Students in Mathematical Literacy in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). The Irish Journal of Education / Iris Eireannach an Oideachais, 33, 31-52.
Ozga, J. (2012). Assessing PISA. European Educational Research Journal, 11(2), 166-171.
Project Maths. (2010). Retrieved 18 November 2010, from http://www.projectmaths.ie/october-2010/
Project Maths website. (2011). The Purpose of this Document. Project Maths Website. Retrieved from: Ref: http://www.projectmaths.ie/problem-solving-questions/Context_Based_Problems_SR1_Final_SK.pdf?utm_source=Project+Maths+mailing+list&utm_campaign=084bf88b43-Project_Maths_News_Update20_11_2011&utm_medium=email
Rizvi, F., & Lingard, B. (2010). Globalizing Education Policy. London and New York: Routledge.
SEC. (2010). Report on the Trialling of Leaving Certificate Sample Papers for Phase 1 of Project Maths in the twenty-four initial schools. 111. Retrieved from: http://www.examinations.ie/schools/Report_on_Trial_final.pdf
Shiel, G., Cosgrove, J., Sonfroniou, N., & Kelly, A. (2001). Ready for Life? The Literacy Achievements of Irish 15-year olds with Comparative International Data. Retrieved from: http://www.erc.ie/documents/p00ready_for_life_main_report.pdf
Stack, C., & Other Maths Professionals. (2012). Major Flaws in Project Maths. Website. Retrieved from: http://www.projectmaths.com/index.php/news-comments/
Torrance, H. (2009). Using Assessment in Education Reform. In H. Daniels, H. Lauder, & J. Porter (Eds.), Knowledge, Values and Educational Policy, A Critical Perspective. London, New York: Routledge.
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Published
2017-08-22
How to Cite
Kirwan, L. (2017). Mathematics curriculum in Ireland: The ınfluence of PISA on the development of project maths. International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education, 8(2), 317–332. Retrieved from https://www.iejee.com/index.php/IEJEE/article/view/115
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