Special Initiatives in Mathematics and Science Education
Between 2011 and 2015, several EU or government funded programs and projects addressed the development of mathematics and science instruction and learning. These focused on various aspects of schooling from the sharing of best pedagogical practices to the funding of school science laboratory hubs.
The National Public Education Portal14 was set up, giving access to 4,000 units of digital teaching aids, descriptions of best practices, and 10,000 tests.
To enhance the renewal of the methodology of science instruction, the Öveges program (TÁMOP-3.1.3-11/1 and TÁMOP-3.1.3-11/2 programs15) was launched. During the program, 52 science laboratories were created in upper secondary schools that are required to act as laboratory hubs and allocate time and resources to lower secondary school students from their region.
Another program, TÁMOP 3.1.12-12/1-2013-0001, linked to the Europe 2020 strategy, was launched to enhance mathematical, technological, and science competencies. The aim was to support the development of teachers’ pedagogical skills, the use of Information and Communications Technology in educational practices, and to motivate primary and secondary school students to better themselves in mathematics and science.
The 21st Century Education Project (TÁMOP-3.1.1-11/1–2012-0001) aimed for the development of new science instruction programs for primary and lower secondary schools. This program consists of modular units that give examples for learning environments that are beneficial for the development of the science literacy skills of students. This program is accessible to schools via the website of the National Institute for Educational Research.16 In addition, the National Program for Talent Tender17 that began in 2008 received 374 successful applications in the field of Developing Science & Mathematic Literacy Skills between 2011 and 2015, and made up 17.3 percent of successful applications.