24 July 2014
A new UniSA project is set to improve Indigenous students’ achievement in mathematics and numeracy education at high school, thanks to $783,000 in federal government funding from the Australian Maths and Science Partnerships Program (AMSPP).
The project, Excellence and Equity in Maths: Indigenous Student Achievement and Tertiary Aspirations in Mathematics, is led by the Professor Peter Buckskin, Dean: Indigenous Scholarship, Engagement and Research at UniSA, in partnership with the Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers.
Professor Peter Buckskin said the three-year national project aims to achieve mathematics excellence and equity in schooling and tertiary education choices for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
“I am delighted that the Excellence and Equity in Maths project was selected for the $783,000 funding as it will complement the work we are doing with the More Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Teachers Initiative,” Prof Buckskin said.
“Mathematics is a key subject which underpins many fields of science, and it is vital to the future of the country as we continue to advance thought and discoveries in these areas.
“The Excellence and Equity in Maths partnership initiative will improve teacher capability in mathematics education, and demonstrate how these skills and knowledge can most benefit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
“As well as supporting classroom practice in maths, this ground-breaking project will closely examine strategies that build upon Indigenous student attainment at school into successful tertiary study pathways in the disciplines underpinned by science and mathematics.”
The initiative aims to close the gap in achievement in numeracy and mathematics education between Indigenous students and the total student population in Australian schools, and to address the under-representation of Indigenous people in higher education, particularly in mathematics and the sciences.
Contact for interview
Prof Peter Buckskin office (08) 8302 214 mobile 0431 549 580 email Peter.Buckskin@unisa.edu.au
Media Contact
Rachel Broadley office (08) 8302 0965 mobile 0401 366 054 email rachel.broadley@unisa.edu.au
