The purpose of the mathematics education team is to develop innovative research activities for the purposes of basic research, solution of practical educational problems and cutting-edge research. The aim of these research activities is to contribute to the enhancement of knowledge in the research field of mathematics education at European and international level, but also to the improvement of learning and teaching of mathematics in Cyprus. In addition, the aim of the research is the continuous feedback and improvement of teaching and the provision of opportunities to postgraduate students and other research associates to gain research experiences.<\/p>\n
Personel<\/strong> Research Interests<\/strong> DIDUNAS<\/strong> FUNTHINK<\/strong> Website<\/strong>: https:\/\/funthink.eu\/<\/a><\/p>\n KeyCoMath<\/strong> Transform<\/strong> MathGifted<\/strong> InnoMathEd<\/strong> CalGeo<\/strong> DALEST<\/strong> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The purpose of the mathematics education team is to develop innovative research activities for the purposes of basic research, solution of practical educational problems and cutting-edge [\u2026]<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":199,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-1409","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-06-11 05:22:16","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"translation_priority","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ucy.ac.cy\/edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1409","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ucy.ac.cy\/edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ucy.ac.cy\/edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ucy.ac.cy\/edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ucy.ac.cy\/edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1409"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.ucy.ac.cy\/edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1409\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1794,"href":"https:\/\/www.ucy.ac.cy\/edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1409\/revisions\/1794"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ucy.ac.cy\/edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/199"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ucy.ac.cy\/edu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1409"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\nDemetra Pitta-Pantazi, Professor
\nMarios Pittalis, Lecturer
\nConstantinos Christou, Emeritus Professor
\nAthanasios Gagatsis, Emeritus Professor<\/p>\n
\nThe research of the Mathematics Education team concentrates on the following aspects:
\n(a) Understanding the structure of mathematical thinking (numbers and operations, geometry and algebra)
\n(b) Developments and assessment of mathematics curricula and textbooks
\n(c) Integration of digital technology in the teaching of mathematics
\n(d) Mathematical creativity
\n(e) Problem solving, problem posing and mathematical modeling
\n(f) Development of algebraic reasoning and functional thinking
\n(g) Exploration of mathematical thinking through eye tracking
\n(h) Formative assessment in mathematics<\/p>\nCurrent Research Programs<\/strong><\/h5>\n
\nDigital Identification and Support of Under-Achieving Students
\nFunding Body:<\/strong> European Union, Erasmus + Grant Program
\nDuration<\/strong>: 2020-2023
\nResearch Co-ordinator:<\/strong> Dr Demetra Pitta-Pantazi
\nDescription: DIDUNAS addresses an issue of concern in several countries of the European Union, that is, students\u2019 under-achievement in mathematics. Students who do not achieve a satisfactory level of competence in mathematics are at risk of failing to cope in a numerate society. The overall purpose of DIDUNAS is to address students\u2019 under-achievement in mathematics early in schooling in Grade 1. For this purpose, DIDUNAS develops a digital tool to identify under-achieving students (with the use of eye tracking technology), an App for the identification of under-achieving students, support material for students, material for teachers, and for parents, as well as an e-learning environment, which will host the App and all material.
\nWebsite<\/strong>: https:\/\/didunas.eu\/<\/a><\/p>\n
\nEnhancing functional thinking from primary to upper secondary school
\nFunding Body:<\/strong> European Union, Erasmus + Grant Program
\nDuration:<\/strong> 2020-2023
\nResearch Co-ordinator:<\/strong> Dr Marios Pittalis
\nDescription: <\/strong>The aim of the program is the development of educational material and a training program for teachers for the teaching of functional thinking from 6th to 12th grade. For the purposes of the program, teaching material will be developed that will utilize digital tools and will be based on the principles of embodied learning and exploratory teaching model. A digital educational material platform will be developed. Finally, the project includes a teacher training program for functional thinking at different educational levels.<\/p>\nCompleted programs\u00a0<\/strong><\/h5>\n
\nDeveloping Key Competences by Mathematics Education
\nFunding Body:<\/strong> European Union, Lifelong Learning Programme
\nDuration<\/strong>: 2013-2015
\nResearch Co-ordinator:<\/strong> Dr Demetra Pitta-Pantazi
\nDescription<\/strong>: The aim of the program was the development, implementation and evaluation of educational material in Mathematics for the development of the eight (8) basic lifelong learning skills of the European Union that are fundamental for the development of a knowledge-based society.
\nWebsite<\/strong>: https:\/\/btmdx1.mat.uni-bayreuth.de\/kcm\/#<\/a><\/p>\n
\nThe effect of two interactive-dynamic resources on elementary students’ ability in transformational geometry (PENEK\/0609\/57)
\nFunding Body: Cyprus Research Foundation
\nDuration: 2010-2013
\nResearch Co-ordinator: Dr Demetra Pitta-Pantazi
\nDescription: The general objective of the project was to investigate the development of students’ ability in transformational geometry concepts (translations, reflections and rotations) and the effects of two interactive dynamic resources on this ability. The specific purposes of the project were the following:
\n1) to investigate the development of 5th and 6th grade elementary school students’ ability on transformational geometry concepts (translations, reflections and rotations),
\n2) to develop activities for teaching transformations with two different interactive dynamic educational resources to elementary school students,
\n3) to investigate the effect that two different types of interactive dynamic educational resources for teaching transformational geometry have on different types of students,
\n4) to design tests for measuring students’ ability on transformational geometry and spatial abilities, and a self-report questionnaire for assessing their cognitive styles.
\nWebsite<\/strong>: https:\/\/www.ucy.ac.cy\/transformations\/<\/a><\/p>\n
\nIdentifying and Nurturing Mathematically Gifted Elementary School Students in Cyprus (\u0391\u039d\u0398\u03a1\u03a9\u03a0\u0399\u03a3\u03a4\u0399\u039a\u0395\u03a3\/\u03a0\u0391\u0399\u0394\u0399\/0308(\u0392\u0395)\/13
\nFunding body:<\/strong> Research promotion organization Cyprus
\nDuration<\/strong>: 2008-2011
\nResearch co-ordinator:<\/strong> Dr Demetra Pitta-Pantazi
\nDescription:<\/strong>\u03a4he basic objective of the proposed study was to perform basic research focusing on identification of profiles of mathematically gifted elementary school students (MGESS). In order to achieve this goal we designed and examined research and instructional tools for MGESS and their teachers. Three main activities were performed in the field of education of mathematically gifted elementary school students: (1) Identification activities; (2) Mathematics Curricula activities; (3) Teachers’ preparation activities. All these activities were supplied with the use of technological tools.<\/p>\n
\nInnovation in Mathematics Education at European Level (141831-2008-LLP-DE-COMENIUS-CMP)
\nFunding body:<\/strong> \u0395\u03c5\u03c1\u03c9\u03c0\u03b1\u03ca\u03ba\u03ae \u0395\u03c0\u03b9\u03c4\u03c1\u03bf\u03c0\u03ae, Socrates Comenius under Lifelong Learning Programme Sub-programmes \u2013 Multilateral Projects
\nDuration<\/strong>: 2008-2010
\nResearch co-ordinator:<\/strong> Dr Demetra Pitta-Pantazi
\nDescription<\/strong>: InnoMathEd aims at the development of pupils\u2019 deep mathematical understanding and for them to acquire key competences that are essential for lifelong learning. Pupils should also get more familiar in the use of ICT, especially dynamic mathematics, to foster individual and cooperative learning processes. In order to achieve these goals didactic concepts, pedagogical methodologies and innovative learning environments for pupils were developed, tested, evaluated, disseminated and exploited on European level. They focus on pupils\u2019 active, self-responsible and exploratory learning.
\nThe project included the development of strategies and courses for effective initial and in-service teacher education and also specific educational activities for students of mathematics education and teachers who are already in practice. Teachers and educators in Europe are equipped with didactic concepts for teaching and learning with dynamic mathematics in order to foster pupils\u2019 key competences. To ensure a positive and high quality outcome of InnoMathEd the products and concepts were evaluated with a specific online evaluation tool.<\/p>\n
\nTeaching Calculus using dynamic geometric tools (118982-CP-2004-GR-COMENIUS-CS1)
\nFunding body:<\/strong> \u0395\u03c5\u03c1\u03c9\u03c0\u03b1\u03ca\u03ba\u03ae \u0395\u03c0\u03b9\u03c4\u03c1\u03bf\u03c0\u03ae, Socrates Comenius under Lifelong Learning Programme Sub-programmes \u2013 Multilateral Projects
\nDuration<\/strong>: 2008-2010
\nResearch co-ordinator:<\/strong> Dr Constantinos Christou
\nDescription<\/strong>: Analysis is a branch of mathematics with a broad field of applications that range from Science to Humanities. This is the reason why the introduction to Analysis has been a main part of mathematics curriculum taught at high school for many years. Nevertheless, many research papers indicate that the vast majority of students who has been taught Analysis continue to face serious problems of comprehending even the basic concepts of the material. The root of this problem rests not only with the innate difficulty of the concepts involved but also with the way the subject is taught. Teaching is often focused primarily on learning algorithms and procedures, without necessarily paying attention to the building up of intuition and imaginary necessary for grasping the concepts. Teaching concepts in Analysis requires a different approach that aims at conceptual understanding. Using a similar approach complemented with new technologies, would help students develop the appropriate intuitions and mental images on which they could base their understanding. The project CalGeo: teaching of Analysis with the aid of Dynamic Geometry tools intends to contribute towards this line of thought. Specifically, the goals of the project are: a) Collaboration among European partners for the development of common teaching proposals inside E.U. b) Formation of a didactic proposal concerning the teaching of Analysis in secondary education with the development of applications in Dynamic Geometry environment c) Elaboration of a programme of in-service education of mathematics teachers in the framework of a didactic proposal that incorporates: i) recent research results regarding the teaching of mathematics that suggest new didactic approaches and a change of the teacher\u2019s role from a tool of transferring knowledge to a factor of facilitating the learning process. ii) utilization of new technologies as a pedagogical tool and a means of supporting learning process and collaboration iii) teaching schedules in secondary education of concepts and theorems of Analysis with the exploitation of dynamic geometry environments. The project began on 1 st October 2004 and concluded on 31st December 2007. During this period the following activities took place: 1. The current situation in the countries that are participating in the project regarding teaching of functions and Analysis in the secondary education was studied. 2. A proposal, based on the results of the previous study, was designed regarding teaching Analysis in the secondary education with the aid of Dynamic Geometry software 3. New applications in a Dynamic Geometry environment were designed in addition to their necessary accompanying material. 4. A program for educating teachers of secondary school mathematics was designed, accordingly to the aforementioned proposal, as well as all the material in electronic and paper form for the backing of the program. In addition to this worksheets and evaluation sheets were also produced. 5. A experimental realization of the programme took place in the countries participating in the program. Furthermore, the educated teachers took part in practical implementation of the didactic proposals in a class. These were recorded and the results evaluated. 6. Workshops and a series of talks for teachers, schoolmasters and education officials were organised in order to facilitate the diffusion of knowledge. The results were also presented in some mathematics education conferences.
\nWebsite<\/strong>: https:\/\/eprints.soton.ac.uk\/372030\/1\/Zachariades-etc_Teach_Calculus_DGE_2007.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n
\nDeveloping an Active Learning Environment for Stereometry
\nFunding body:<\/strong> \u0395\u03c5\u03c1\u03c9\u03c0\u03b1\u03ca\u03ba\u03ae \u0395\u03c0\u03b9\u03c4\u03c1\u03bf\u03c0\u03ae, Socrates Comenius under Lifelong Learning Programme Sub-programmes \u2013 Multilateral Projects
\nDuration<\/strong>: 2008-2010
\nResearch co-ordinator:<\/strong> Dr Constantinos Christou
\nDescription<\/strong>: The main purpose of the DALEST project was to develop a dynamic three dimensional software suitable for teaching stereometry in middle schools. The software focuses on the development of learners\u02b9 thinking abilities and on their abilities to model ideas, to analyze and solve problems in their everyday activities. Specifically, the main objectives of this project were: (a) To analyse the existing geometry curricula in European schools and evaluate teachers\u02b9 require\u2010 ments related to the teaching of stereometry, (b) To develop a dynamic three dimensional software for teaching and learning stereometry (c) To provide in\u2010service training to a number of teachers on the teaching of stereometry with the use of the software, (d) To develop teaching scenarios for teaching stereometry with the use of the software, (e) To test the software in different schools, (f) To evaluate the effectiveness of the software and the proposed teaching approaches.
\nWebsite<\/strong>: http:\/\/www.math.bas.bg\/omi\/docs\/DALEST_stereometry_EN.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n