Registration Deadline:
14 February 2024
The deadline for registration is now passed. Please get in touch with the organisers if you have any queries.
Click on the button above to download a flyer for this event
This international symposium event will bring together teachers and researchers from within Ireland and abroad to explore various aspects of Numeracy Education, with a specific focus on Numeracy across the school curriculum.
In today’s rapidly evolving and highly technological world, Numeracy skills – which we conceptualise as the ability to use mathematical knowledge to solve complex real-life problems that draw on a range of integrated contents – are increasingly important for enabling informed, empowered and critical citizenship. In line with this year's theme for the symposium, we will endeavour to present rich diversity of ways in which numeracy is conceptualised and enacted in schools.
The symposium will emphasise both research and practical approaches to Numeracy learning in primary and post-primary school settings. Sponsored by the University of Galway, the symposium is free for all attendees; however, participants will need to cover their own travel and accommodation costs.
The symposium aims to:
Develop an International Numeracy Expert Group
Share knowledge and research
Enhance curriculum development
Strengthen teacher education
Showcase innovative teaching practices
Promote international collaboration
Scientific Committee
Please get in touch with one of the committee members below if you have any questions or queries.
Who should attend:
Teachers; ITE providers; CPD Providers; Policy makers; Researchers.
Local Symposium Chair - Dr. Kathy O' Sullivan
Kathy O' Sullivan is a leading expert in the field of numeracy education, and holds a PhD in Numeracy across the Curriculum. Kathy has made significant contributions to advancing the understanding of numeracy across the curriculum and is passionate about supporting teachers' disciplinary numeracy development. Kathy has worked extensively with educators nationally and internationally to promote effective numeracy strategies that aim to improve students' numeracy skills in schools.
Professor Merrilyn Goos
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland Australia
Merrilyn is a mathematics educator and mathematics education researcher who has worked in universities in Australia, the UK and the Republic of Ireland. She is also the President of the International Commission on Mathematical Instruction (ICMI). Her academic research has investigated students’ mathematical thinking, the impact of digital technologies on mathematics learning and teaching, numeracy across the curriculum and across the lifespan, the professional learning and development of mathematics teachers and mathematics teacher educators, curriculum and assessment reform in schools and higher education, and gender equity in STEM education.
Dave Tout
Australian Council for Educational Research & University of Melbourne
Dave has worked across secondary schools, adult vocational education and training (VET) colleges, adult community education providers, universities, workplaces and in state and national educational bodies. He has wide experience, including nationally and internationally, in research, curriculum and materials development, assessment and professional development. He has been involved in international numeracy/mathematics assessments including PISA and the adult equivalent, the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC). He is currently chair of the Numeracy Expert Group for the OECD’s international survey of adult skills (PIAAC).
The symposium will be held in the ILAS Building (#41 on the map) in the School of Education at the University of Galway, located in the City of Galway.
Address: University Rd, Galway, Ireland, 7WHQ+M8
Galway is a harbour city on Ireland’s west coast. As well as being a popular seaside destination with long sandy beaches, Galway is also a thriving and cosmopolitan city centre and boasts an array of culture, artistry, exceptional food and music.
The University is situated close to Galway city centre and is is easily accesible by public transport.
Registration will take place at the ILAS Building from 09:00 on both days of the symposium. Please refer to the campus map (#41 on the map) for directions.
Please note parking restrictions are in place on campus Monday to Friday 09.00 to 17.30. If you are driving, the following are the parking options;
Cathedral Car Park is approximately 25 minutes’ walk to the conference venue, charges apply, cost is approximately €6.50 per day
Blue-lined spaces only on campus (Monday to Friday only) which are pay and display. These spaces are very limited.
During term-time, there is a free shuttle bus service running from the Park and Ride facility in the North Campus to the Orbsen Building (building #22 on the map) in the central campus, with several stops along the route. Buses run regularly - every 10 - 12 minutes during peak times in the morning and evening, and every 20 minutes during the day. Please see the campus map for bus stop locations. The Orbsen building is a 5–10-minute walk from the Cathedral Car Park. Once inside the campus grounds across from the Cathedral (near #4 on the map), guests can follow the blue dots on the map and painted on the ground to building #12 on the map and turn right to reach to bus stop at the Orbsen building. The ILAS building is #41 on the campus map.
Some participants attending the symposium may be required to apply for a visa. More information can be found https://www.irishimmigration.ie/
If attendees would like to arrive earlier, please note that Monday, 17th March 2025, is a national holiday in Ireland celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.
https://www.galwaytourism.ie/event/st-patricks-day-festival/#google_vignette
St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, including parades and cultural events, take place across the country, on Monday 17th March.
Keep in mind that as it is a public holiday, many businesses and public services may have reduced hours, and transportation might be busier.
We recommend booking accommodation early if you plan to arrive before the 19th of March.
Detailed travel and parking information can be accessed here Travel to Galway - University of Galway and specific campus entrances here Campus Entrances and Parking - University of Galway.
If you are travelling from outside of Ireland, then there are two airport options:
(1) Dublin and (2) Shannon
Arrival at Dublin airport
Dublin Airport is the largest airport in Ireland and offers the widest range of international connections.
Options for Travel from Dublin to Galway:
Option 1: Bus from Dublin Airport to Galway
Express Bus Services: There are direct bus services from Dublin Airport to Galway City, operating frequently throughout the day.
Citylink (www.citylink.ie)
GoBus (www.gobus.ie)
Both services have pick-up points at Zone 14 outside Terminal 1 and Zone 20 outside Terminal 2.
Journey time: Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the airport.
Option 2: Train via Dublin City
If you prefer to travel by train, you will first need to transfer from Dublin Airport to Heuston Station in Dublin city.
Take the Airlink Express Bus or a taxi from the airport to Heuston Station (around 30 minutes).
From Heuston Station, take a direct train to Galway Ceannt Station.
Option 3: Car Rental
For those who prefer to drive, car rental services are available at Dublin Airport.
Galway is located approximately 210 km from Dublin. The journey takes about
2.5 hours via the M6 motorway.
Follow the M6 from Dublin to Galway. Take exit 12 for Galway City.
Arrival at Shannon Airport
Shannon Airport (SNN) is closer to Galway and a convenient option for international travellers.
Options for Travel from Shannon to Galway
Option 1: Bus from Shannon Airport to Galway
Bus Eireann offers a direct bus service from Shannon Airport to Galway City (approx. 1.5 hours).
Buses depart outside the arrivals area.
Tickets can be purchased at the airport or online at www.buseireann.ie.
Option 2: Car Rental
Shannon Airport also has car rental options for those who prefer to drive.
The journey to Galway is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes via the N18 and M18 motorways.
Below are a selection of accomodation options that are relatively close to the University.
The Hyde Hotel (www.hydehotel.ie)
The Galway Bay (https://www.galwaybayhotel.net/)
The Salthill Hotel (https://www.salthillhotel.com/)
The G Hotel (https://www.theghotel.ie/)
The Galmont Hotel (https://www.thegalmont.com/en/)
The Ardilaun Hotel (https://www.theardilaunhotel.ie/)
The House Hotel (https://www.thehousehotel.ie/)
Alternatively you can search through www.booking.com or if you would prefer self catering, there is also the air bnb option (www.airbnb.ie)
Kathy is an Assistant Professor of Mathematics Education in the School of Education at the University of Galway. Kathy is passionate about encouraging numeracy across the curriculum as a whole school approach and enjoys supporting all teachers in embedding numeracy within their subject area.
Alexandre is an Assistant Professor of Mathematics Education in the Department of Curriculum, Teaching and Learning at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. His research focuses on financial education, numeracy, citizenship, STEM and entrepreneurship.
Marc is an Assistant Professor in the School of Education at the University of Nottingham in England, where he works primarily with beginning teachers on the Primary PGCE and Secondary Maths PGCE programmes. He is passionate about real-life applications of mathematics and worked extensively in curriculum, assessment and textbook design for the subject Mathematical Literacy in South Africa.