TouchingMaths+ aims to promote interest and excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). In the project, we have developed an expanded mathematical core curriculum (EMCC) for braille readers, focusing on equations, graphs, and programming in mathematics.
The EMCC builds on the mathematical core curriculum (MCC) of each country by outlining the additional skills and knowledge that braille readers need to fully access mathematics education. It is aligned with both the MCC and the assistive devices used by braille readers.
By acquiring the skills described in the EMCC, along with the adaptations in the instructional materials and teaching approaches, braille readers may improve their math abilities and knowledge, achieving a level of understanding comparable to their sighted peers. In today’s world, strong mathematical skills open doors to a wide range of opportunities. All students, including braille readers, should have the chance to develop these abilities.
Braille readers often face challenges in mathematics, including difficulties with in gaining an overview and interpreting graphs and expressions, a lack of appropriate learning strategies, and limited familiarity among math teachers with non-visual teaching methods. Low expectations can also hinder their progress. Our motivation is to help strengthen their mathematical skills and improve their inclusion in classrooms.
This project aims to improve the inclusion of braille readers in both special and mainstream schools, and promote collaboration among all students. The general objectives of the project are:
- Addressing braille readers’ learning needs in mathematics by designing and developing an extended mathematical core curriculum
- Equipping math teachers with alternative teaching methods and adapted materials for braille readers
- Advancing the knowledge and skills of braille professionals, ICT professionals and tactile image reading professionals in preparing braille readers to understand equations and tactile graphs
- Promoting cooperation between braille professionals, ICT professionals, tactile image reading professionals and math teachers
- Raising awareness of adaptations and reverse adaptations in teaching mathematics among teachers in mainstream and special schools
- Sharing the methodology for the development of the EMCC in other countries
The TouchingMaths+ project is a joint project between Royal Visio (Netherlands), SPSM (Sweden), and Statped (Norway).