The main objective of the project is to improve our understanding of mathematics teaching and learning processes and to develop research-based approaches that contribute to higher-quality mathematics education and stronger student engagement in STEM fields. The project combines educational research, development of teaching materials, teacher professional development, school collaboration, and science communication activities.
InterMat is organised around four interconnected research areas:
- Threshold concepts in mathematics and STEM
- Educational games and computational thinking
- Interdisciplinary approaches to mathematics education
- Popularisation of mathematics and science
Through these research areas, the project seeks to address key questions such as:
How do learners acquire fundamental mathematical concepts? How can educational
games enhance mathematical understanding? How can mathematics be meaningfully connected with other disciplines? And how can science communication activities foster positive attitudes towards mathematics and science?
Threshold concepts in mathematics and STEM
Certain concepts represent transformative points in the learning process because mastering them enables learners to develop a deeper understanding of an entire field of knowledge. In educational research, these are referred to as threshold concepts.
InterMat explores which threshold concepts are present in mathematics and STEM disciplines, how educational professionals identify them, and how learners develop an understanding of these concepts. The results are expected to contribute to more effective curriculum design and a better understanding of the difficulties students encounter while learning fundamental mathematical ideas.
Educational games and computational thinking
Educational games represent a powerful tool for increasing student motivation, engagement, and conceptual understanding. Within the project, educational game-based learning scenarios are being developed and evaluated, with particular emphasis on fostering computational thinking from early childhood education to higher education.
Computational thinking is increasingly recognised as a key competence for solving complex mathematical problems and for active participation in a digital society. The project also investigates teachers’ attitudes towards game-based learning in order to identify opportunities and challenges related to its wider implementation in education.
A significant part of this research area focuses on evaluating educational games and learning scenarios developed within the Erasmus+ SciMaG project and exploring their potential use in mathematics and STEM education.
Interdisciplinary approaches to mathematics education
Mathematics forms the foundation of many scientific disciplines, yet students often struggle to recognise its relevance beyond the mathematics classroom. InterMat investigates ways of connecting mathematics with natural sciences, computer science, technology, and other fields through interdisciplinary learning activities. Particular attention is given to the integration of digital tools and the development of digital literacy.
This research area builds upon work initiated within the Erasmus+ InAMath project and includes further analysis and interpretation of previously collected international research data. The aim is to generate evidence-based recommendations for strengthening interdisciplinary learning and the meaningful integration of digital technologies into mathematics education.
Popularisation of mathematics and science
Science communication plays a crucial role in connecting the scientific community with society. Within this research area, the project investigates public attitudes towards science communication and analyses how science outreach activities influence interest in mathematics and STEM disciplines.
Particular attention is devoted to understanding the needs and expectations of different visitor groups and to developing approaches that make science more accessible, engaging, and meaningful to the general public. The findings will inform the design of future mathematics and science outreach activities and contribute to the development of more effective science communication practices.
InterMat brings together research, education, and science communication to advance innovative approaches to mathematics learning and to create new opportunities for collaboration among researchers, educators, schools, and the wider community. Project outcomes will be disseminated through scientific publications, conference presentations, professional development programmes, educational resources, and science outreach activities.