Online Refresher Course on Applied Mathematics for 15,000 Graduates of Ninth Grade

Middle school students need a solid foundation of mathematical knowledge in order to advance to higher order problems. For example, the PISA test that diagnoses the applied aspects of mathematics, relies on a common global denominator of both knowledge and technique that is shared between 15-year-old students from across the world. However, in Israel, parts of this body of knowledge are taught in much earlier grades, and others are taught later on, or not at all.

Similarly, there are still gaps between the middle school curriculum of mathematics and the high school curriculum, particularly in the transition to the five-unit track. The Ministry of Education is working to close these gaps, but yet a smooth transition between ninth and tenth grades is contingent with the level of communication between the middle school and the high school teachers. This is crucial, because students are expected to master the middle school content so that their progress in tenth grade will be effective.

In an attempt to help middle school graduates of excellence tracks to be prepared for tenth grade, we approached the Center for Educational Technology (CET). CET are proposing to develop an online refresher course. The course will be offered to graduates of ninth grade, and its content will focus on four topics that are not taught in ninth grade, but are required in tenth grade in order to cope with high order applied mathematics.

The course will be designed for individual usage by students, with an option for teachers to assist. Each topic will offer theoretical explanations and practical drills, in both Hebrew and Arabic, including exercises, two explanatory movies presenting the mathematical topic, as well as drills, clues and aids. In addition, three PISA assignments will be integrated in a gradual level of difficulty and in different real life contexts. The program will be available for students as of the coming summer, and will hopefully assist them in preparing for the next school year, after the Corona pandemic evaporates.

It is expected that 15,000 ninth grade students will undergo the course over four years. For this goal to be achieved, CET plans to engage 500 teachers in online .=professional development workshops, and to promote the course in their marketing channels