From Equation to Acceleration

The project explores how mathematics teaching within the Vehicle and Transport Programme can be integrated with vehicle technology in order to enhance students’ motivation and attainment.

Who are we?

The local project manager is Thomas Hedlund Nilsson, Deputy Headteacher at Björknäsgymnasiet. Overall responsibility for the project’s implementation at the local level lies with Tania Hedlund, a special educational needs teacher, and Peter Nilsson Söderholm, programme coordinator for the Vehicle and Transport Programme. The participating mathematics teacher is Krister Johansson. Other teachers in vehicle technology and mathematics within the programme will also be involved in the planning and implementation. From the higher education institution, Erik Bergqvist will participate as a researcher and academic lead.

The ULF Project Area

The Vehicle and Transport Programme at Björknäsgymnasiet aims, among other things, to develop pupils’ knowledge of vehicle technology. This requires an understanding of different subject areas and how they interact. By integrating mathematics with vehicle technology components in the practical workshop, mathematics teachers gain insight into the mathematics required in the profession, while vocational teachers strengthen their mathematical thinking. The goal is to create a clearer link between theory and practice, ultimately helping pupils to achieve the learning objectives both in mathematics and in vehicle technology subjects.

Purpose of the Project

The project explores how mathematics teaching within the Vehicle and Transport Programme can be integrated with vehicle technology in order to increase pupils’ motivation and attainment. More specifically, the primary aim is to develop a bank of tasks that teachers can use.

Implementation and Documentation

The project group has already identified a number of knowledge areas within Mathematics Level 1 that are suitable as starting points and will initially continue developing these areas. During the implementation phase, a group of 16 pupils will test the approach. Teachers will document pupils’ knowledge and keep logbooks, and pupils will complete scientifically designed questionnaires measuring attitudes and motivation.

Dissemination of Results

The project results will be disseminated locally through team meetings and conferences, as well as at UDiN events. Björknäsgymnasiet is also a certified Motor Industry College, providing opportunities to share the results within industry networks, both in education and in professional practice.