Izobraževalna matematika

The second-cycle study program Educational Mathematics is designed to educate future mathematics teachers for the upper levels of primary school and for all secondary school and grammar school programs. The current labour market situation and the demand for mathematics teachers clearly indicate that graduates of this study program are in high demand. The fundamental assumption of the study program is that candidates, upon enrolment, possess basic competencies in the core disciplines of academic mathematics (i.e., they are graduates of a first-cycle mathematics program). The admission requirements ensure that candidates have adequate mathematical knowledge for successful study and the achievement of all competencies anticipated by the study program. A clear vertical structure of learning outcomes is established with respect to the undergraduate study program of mathematics, which ensures that each student achieves 300 ECTS credits from different learning outcomes over the five years of university study. The content and subject structure of the study program form a coherent whole, allowing for a balanced development of all key professional competencies of mathematics teachers (mathematical knowledge, mathematics didactics, general pedagogical knowledge, professionalism, and professional development). The study program facilitates a balanced development of all dimensions of a mathematics teacher's professional competence. The program incorporates and reflects contemporary scientific findings and current practical solutions from educational research, as well as educational and information-communication technologies, emphasizing an interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning mathematics in schools through the selection of courses and teaching methods. The distribution of courses and content across the academic years is logical, balanced, and appropriate, with both horizontal and vertical connections established. The core literature is suitable, up-to-date, and accessible in the institution's libraries (the university library and the UP PEF or UP FAMNIT libraries) or freely available. Some titles are in the process of being acquired, for which UP PEF has provided purchase orders. The titles will be available by the implementation of the study program. The ECTS allocation for courses and the ECTS ratios among different verticals of the study (mathematics, mathematics teaching, and teaching) are appropriate. The area of practical training is well-organized and allows for the acquisition of the relevant competencies outlined in the curricula. The institution has established a broad network of collaborations with primary and secondary schools and other educational institutions for the implementation of teaching practice. The higher education lecturers and associates are appointed in the relevant fields and demonstrate appropriate scientific-research and pedagogical excellence. The institution also has suitable material conditions for the implementation of the study program. In the opinion of the expert group, this will be an excellent study program. Given the shortage of mathematics teachers, it is crucial that such education also begins at the University of Primorska, as young people who wish to become teachers are often strongly tied to their local environment.