80% say compulsory maths qualification for teachers would improve results

80% of people believe that a compulsory maths qualification for secondary school maths teachers would improve Leaving Certificate results in the subject, according to research carried out by Ipsos MRBI on behalf of Engineers Ireland. It was also found that 76% of those surveyed believe an increase in the salary of secondary school maths teachers would not improve the results of Leaving Certificate maths students. 

Speaking on the eve of Engineers Week 2010, John Power said the research reflected the growing recognition that radical change was needed to the way maths and the physical sciences are being taught in schools.  “This insight very much confirms the general view that there needs to be drastic change to help students get to grips with this critical subject, something Engineers Ireland has been saying for a while.  It is vital the education framework supports the teaching of maths and the physical sciences, key subjects that form the platform towards a career in engineering.  It will be one of the many issues we will touch upon across Engineers Week 2010 which begins tomorrow with an address from the Taoiseach.” 

An address by An Taoiseach, Brian Cowen TD on the importance of the engineering industry to Ireland will commence the week today, followed by a focus on water management at the Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Works on Tuesday, February 9, which will showcase the critical contribution engineers make to water quality. There will be a workshop for primary students at the Engineers Ireland offices on Clyde Road supported by Sustainable Energy Ireland on Energy Innovation Day, Wednesday, February 10.  The day will feature companies such as ESB, OpenHydro, Wavebob and Nualight as well as a visit from Eamon Ryan TD, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. Volunteer Day on Thursday, February 11 will entail volunteer engineers all over Ireland, including Irish and Leinster rugby legend Malcolm O’Kelly, entering primary schools to inspire students about maths through the use of puzzles and worksheets.  Engineering in Health Day on Friday, February 12 will examine the role engineers play in manufacturing life-saving medical devices at the Covidien plant in Galway.  Saturday, February 13, Family Fun Day, is the final day of the week and will feature colourful events across Galway, Antrim and Westmeath with the highlight an exhibition for kids featuring an Electric Magnetic Engineering Show, a K’Nex Engineering Challenge and a demonstration on how radio waves travel around the world at the Engineers Ireland offices on Clyde Road, Dublin 4. 

In addition, some 150 events will also take place nationwide over the course of the week designed to highlight the exciting world of engineering to the young.  To find out more information about events taking place near you log onto www.engineersweek.ie