idw – Informationsdienst Wissenschaft

Nachrichten, Termine, Experten

Grafik: idw-Logo
idw-Abo

idw-News App:

AppStore

Google Play Store



Instance:
Share on: 
04/21/2026 14:09

EU Project Promotes Differentiation in Mathematics Teaching

Jennifer Opel Pressestelle
Universität Bayreuth

    Together with the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen (Czech Republic), the University of Bayreuth has launched a project on teaching mathematics in heterogeneous learning groups. The international research and qualification project “MaDiMat” aims to empower teachers and student teachers to develop and implement differentiated learning opportunities in mathematics education.

    Mathematics is regarded as a key discipline for numerous modern professional fields. At the same time, international comparative studies such as PISA show that students’ mathematical competences have declined significantly in recent years – both in Germany and internationally. Moreover, students differ, for example, in terms of learning pace, interests and competences. Against this background, the question of how mathematical potential can be fostered as effectively as possible in the classroom is gaining increasing importance.
    The “MaDiMat” project was initiated by Dr. Moritz Zehnder of the University of Bayreuth and addresses precisely this issue. Its focus is on the initial and further training of student teachers and practising teachers in the Bavarian–Czech border region. The project is implemented by the Chair of Mathematics and Mathematics Education at the University of Bayreuth in cooperation with the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen. “MaDiMat” is co-financed by the European Union under the INTERREG Bavaria–Czech Republic 2021–2027 programme and runs from January 2026 to December 2028. The total funding amounts to more than 488,000 euros, with just over 313,000 euros allocated to the University of Bayreuth.
    The cooperation between the universities of Bayreuth and Pilsen brings together diverse subject-specific didactic perspectives and areas of expertise. The planned activities address both university-based teacher education and in-service professional development for schools.
    Student teachers at the University of Bayreuth acquire competencies in the independent development of differentiated teaching materials through international seminars. These materials are reflected upon and further developed in joint working phases with students from Pilsen. They are then implemented during school placements and scientifically analysed with regard to their impact on teaching and learning processes. In this way, the project deliberately combines theoretical planning with practical application.
    In continuing professional development for teachers, “MaDiMat” follows a co-constructive approach: primary and secondary school teachers work together with researchers to develop differentiated teaching materials that can be tested and used directly in the classroom. The cross-border exchange provides additional perspectives and facilitates the transfer of proven good practice.


    Contact for scientific information:

    Dr. Moritz Zehnder
    Mathematics and Mathematics Education
    University of Bayreuth
    Phone: +49 (0)921 / 55-3275
    E-mail: moritz.zehnder@uni-bayreuth.de


    Images

    Criteria of this press release:
    Journalists, Scientists and scholars
    Mathematics
    transregional, national
    Research projects, Schools and science
    English


     

    Help

    Search / advanced search of the idw archives
    Combination of search terms

    You can combine search terms with and, or and/or not, e.g. Philo not logy.

    Brackets

    You can use brackets to separate combinations from each other, e.g. (Philo not logy) or (Psycho and logy).

    Phrases

    Coherent groups of words will be located as complete phrases if you put them into quotation marks, e.g. “Federal Republic of Germany”.

    Selection criteria

    You can also use the advanced search without entering search terms. It will then follow the criteria you have selected (e.g. country or subject area).

    If you have not selected any criteria in a given category, the entire category will be searched (e.g. all subject areas or all countries).