Empowering Ecuadorian Preschool and Kindergarten Teachers to Provide Effective Mathematics Education (ETEME)

Duration

2 years

Lead institutions

KU Leuven

Universidad de Cuenca

Academic partners

Gina Bojorque

Project status

Ongoing

Programme

Total budget

69,982.00

Summary

Early math skills are critical for further academic success, professional perspectives and long-term well-being. In Ecuador, 4-6-year-olds’ math development is seriously constrained due to weaknesses in early childhood (EC) teachers’ competencies to offer high-quality math instruction. This project aims to design, in close collaboration with key stakeholders in EC education, a professional development (PD) program to strengthen EC teachers’ competencies in math instruction. Teachers will co-design, implement and evaluate early math activities in professional learning communities, supported by teacher trainers and researchers. Next, they will (be trained to) share the PD program within local teacher networks, ensuring regional dissemination, impact and sustainability. Outcomes include a PD program with early math activities and materials, available on MINEDUC’s platform and disseminated via workshops, conferences and publications.