This month's featured resource is the PRIMAS (Promoting Inquiry-Based Learning In Mathematics And Sciences Across Europe) Project's professional development modules. PRIMAS was an international project within the Seventh Framework Program of the European Union (2010-2013). Fourteen universities from twelve different countries have worked together over four years to promote the implementation and use of inquiry-based learning in mathematics and science. PRIMAS has developed materials for direct use in class and modules for PD. In addition, PRIMAS has run PD activities and supported professional networks in each of the partner countries. PRIMAS has also worked with policymakers, school leaders and parents to create a supportive environment for inquiry-based learning.
PRIMAS supported teachers in integrating and applying inquiry-based learning pedagogies in their mathematics and science classrooms. During the project’s lifetime (2010-2013), various resources and support measures were developed and made available to teachers, parents and pupils. The evaluation of PRIMAS was twofold. A summative evaluation focused on the overall impact of the implementation of inquiry-based learning in day-to-day teaching with a pre-post study of 50-100 teachers and around 1500 students per PRIMAS partner country. A formative evaluation focused on the implementation and dissemination processes and allowed optimisation during PRIMAS lifetime. Learn more about PRIMAS.