Science at UM [S05-ep01]: Teaching mathematics: the challenge of meaning
It's back to school time for A l'UM à la science with Aurélie Chesnais from Lirdef , who talks to us about teaching mathematics. The report introduces you to the chemistry kits from theIres with Jean-Yves Winum and Sébastien Filhol, chemistry professors at the Faculty of Sciences. The program is broadcast every Wednesday on Divergence.
At UM, science is kicking off its fifth season live from the laboratories of the University of Montpellier and its partners. And what could be more logical for this new academic year than to talk about teaching, and what could be more logical than math? Our topic is therefore the teaching of mathematics. I sense that I've already lost some of you, but rest assured: stay with us and, like me, you may better understand why you never got past quadratic equations.
If maths is synonymous with failure for you, you are not alone. According to the latest Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) report, published in December 2024, French students are bringing up the rear in maths. France ranks last in the European Union infourth grade and second to last ineighth grade. These poor overall results are compounded by significant inequalities between students based on their social background and gender, as we discussed with researcher Madalena Croitoru in a previous program (A l'UM la science: Child-robot interaction to challenge gender stereotypes in mathematics, 6/03/2025).
The problem is not new. Back in 2018, the Minister of National Education, Jean-Michel Blanquer, tasked renowned mathematician and MP Cédric Villani with assessing the strengths and weaknesses of mathematics education in France. This mission resulted in a 21-point plan, which clearly did not bear fruit.
Perhaps he should have turned to our guest. Aurélie Chesnais is an educationalist and researcher at Lirdef, the interdisciplinary research laboratory for teaching, education, and training. She has just co-published, with Aline Robert, a researcher at the André Revuz Didactics Laboratory in Paris, an article entitled A didactic perspective on the professional development of secondary school mathematics teachers. Her program can be summed up in four words: the challenge of meaning!
In the second part, science returns to the corridors of the university, and it is behind the door of the chemistry hall that we went to set up our microphones. We stay on theme, as Jean-Yves Winum and Sébastien Filhol are both chemistry professors and members of the physics and chemistry group at IRES, the research institute for science education. They show us the chemistry kits developed by IRES.
At UM Science, you have the program, so let's get started!
Co-production: Divergence FM / University of Montpellier
Host: Lucie Lecherbonnier
Interview: Lucie Lecherbonnier / Aline Périault
Production: Alice Rollet
Listen to the program “A l’UM la science” on Divergence FM 93.9
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