The EC’s research on “Mathematics Education in Europe, Common Challenges and National Policies” highlights the concern over a significant proportion of students lacking basic skills in math, which is identified as a key competence for personal fulfillment, active citizenship, social inclusion, and employability.

The OECD’s PISA study shows that many EU states have below-average student attainment in math, particularly in geometry, where only 35% and 20% of children, respectively, master geometric forms and measurements. Pupils’ lack of arithmetic understanding and self-confidence, as well as teachers’ mathematical expertise, are identified as challenges.

To address these concerns, Khan Krum collaborates with PASOS and MATEI on the “GEOKIT” project, aimed at creating novel and efficient tools for teaching geometry to primary school pupils. These tools can benefit societies seeking innovation and those seeking to improve their children’s performance in math.

The objectives(O), specific objectives (SO) and main activities (MA) are set up, linked with the above priorities(P):

• O1. Perform investigations on a variety of math and geometry teaching approaches, pedagogic resources, and tools utilized by MATEI, KK and PASOS
  • Linked with P1: Promoting interest and excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) & STEAM approach
    LEARNING PHASE
  • SO1.1: Gain knowledge of the best practices, teaching methods and tools used by partners
    Main Activity (MA)1.1: Participatory visit in RO to transfer best practices & tools
  • MA 1.2: Participatory Visit in Bulgaria where KK will transfer their best practices and tools
• O2. To create instructional strategies and didactic resources in teaching geometry to kids aged 6 to 9 years old in elementary school.
  • Linked with the P1 & P2: Supporting teachers, school leaders & other teaching professionals
    CREATION OF THE GEOKIT BOOK PHASE
  • SO2 Create, evaluate and validate new teaching tools, that enable teachers to teach geometry in a more efficient,
    motivational and successful way, to primary learners
  • MA2.1 Creation of a book, documenting new teaching tools & methods
  • MA2.2 Course in ES where the book will be evaluated
• O3. To equip primary school teachers with geometry techniques and didactic resources in order to provide high-quality geometry instructions.
  • Linked with P1,P2&P3:Inclusion and diversity in all fields of education, training, youth and sport

The main activities to be implemented are:

• Participatory visit to RO & BG to exchange Geometry tools and methodologies for primary schools.
• Book documenting the GEOKIT methodology
• Course in Spain aims to transfer the GEOKIT tools and methodologies
• Multiplier Events in each partner country
• Consultations during 2 months for stakeholders who want to deepen their knowledge on GEOKIT
• Internal workshops in each organization to disseminate the project`s results, the tools and methodologies.

GEOKIT provides new creative tools for teaching geometry that will:

• Reinforce teachers’ training & education, their ability to operate in interdisciplinary settings, linguistic abilities
• Improve kids’ motivation to study geometry
• Teach kids to use emotional management techniques
• Diminish learning inequities
• Improving the efficiency via high-quality resources
• Improve the profile of education professionals
• Improve the elementary schools’ level of geometry instruction

PARTICIPANTS will:

• Strengthen their core abilities in geometry, quality of their primary school teaching and learning & expand their capacities
• Raise their capacity to operate in international situations by increasing their self-confidence, motivation, and self-esteem, as well as improving their research, innovation, assessment & language abilities

PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS will:

• Improve their ability to teach geometry in a more innovative, efficient, motivational & successful manner
• Acquire skills to involve parents in their children’s studies, connect geometry to daily life, & motivate students
• Provide strong foundations of geometry knowledge to students Improve their CV & teaching skills, giving them more opportunities for career advancement

PARTNERSHIP will:

• Have more competent and motivated workers, will be at the forefront of geometry and contribute to the development of strong geometric foundations for pupils with the new tools and approaches
• Have more motivated kids who can use emotional management strategies when confronted with challenging circumstances
• Strengthen our relationships and networks by incorporating best practices and synergies from other organizations
• Have more expertise dealing with large-scale initiatives, EU engagement, development of Erasmus+ programs & improved educational systems.