More than a third of second-level maths teachers do not feel they are sufficiently qualified to assess a pupil's performance in the subject, according to latest research.

The survey, conducted by the Educational Research Centre (ERC) in Dublin, also discovered that 28 per cent feel they lack proficient teaching methods.

In their report containing the findings, the ERC estimates more than a fifth (22 per cent) of transition year maths teachers would now fail to meet Teaching Council requirements.

The research was undertaken as part of wider investigation into potential educational reform and recommends maths lessons in transition year should focus on building students' key skills in the subject, with their progress in that year used to determine the level of maths they study for their Leaving Cert.

An increase in the amount of on-the-job training provided for teachers is also one of the key proposals.

Researchers also found that students are, on average, receiving just 84 per cent of the 83 hours of mathematics teaching they are timetabled to receive during transition year.

Written by Donal Walsh.

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