[2016-11-24, TORONTO] The Fields Institute has been selected by Ontario as the host for the province’s new KNAER (Knowledge Network for Applied Education Research) Mathematics Knowledge Network. The Network will work with mathematics education stakeholders across Ontario to create Communities of Practice and to provide opportunities for linking research and professional practice, with the goal of supporting Ontario's Renewed Math Strategy. This program will be administered through the Fields Institute’s Centre for Mathematics Education (CME). As the Mathematics Knowledge Network Host, Fields will be the lead organization responsible for coordinating the collaborative activities of the network partners.

 “We know a lot about what works in teaching math and we need to make sure that this knowledge is widely shared across our system with our front-line educators. I am so pleased that this network will support teachers and help them use math teaching strategies that are based on strong evidence,” said Mitzie Hunter, Minister of Education.

“Our support of mathematics education complements the many innovative research programs, industrial outreach and public awareness activities of the Fields Institute. This investment will help teachers to convey the excitement of mathematics to our school children, and open up opportunities for educating the next generation of scientific leaders,” said Ian Hambleton, Director of the Fields Institute.

“We are very excited about the new KNAER Mathematics Knowledge Network and we are especially looking forward to creating Communities of Practice focusing on mathematics education, to link research and classroom practice, and to make a positive difference in student learning across the province,” said George Gadanidis, co-Director of the KNAER Mathematics Knowledge Network.

“Fields has a long and notable tradition supporting mathematics education provincially, nationally, and internationally. The Mathematics Knowledge Network, hosted by Fields' Centre for Mathematics Education, brings together 16 universities, professional, and community partners to advance mathematics education in Ontario. This level of collaboration in mathematics education in Ontario is unprecedented and will undoubtedly enhance mathematics teaching and learning,” said Donna Kotsopoulos, co-Director of the KNAER Mathematics Knowledge Network.

“Mathematics education and promotion of mathematics have been on the agenda of The Fields Institute for Research in Mathematical Sciences since its beginning. The Fields Institute Centre for Mathematics Education is envisioned as a focal point for mathematics education-related activities organized by the groups and individuals from the Fields Institute partner institutions. Activities of the Centre include research in mathematics education, and broader, in STEM education; organization of public events, outreach activities, education programs, and various scientific activities (such as conferences and workshops),” added Dragana Martinovic, co-Director of the Centre for Mathematics Education at the Fields Institute.

This Network includes: 

• Association francophone pour l’enseignement des mathématiques en Ontario
• Brock University
• Canadian Mathematical Society
• Fields Institute for Research in Mathematical Sciences
• First Nations, Métis & Inuit Education Association of Ontario
• Lakehead University
• Nipissing University
• Ontario Association for Mathematics Education
• Ontario Institute for Studies in Education/University of Toronto
• Ontario Mathematics Coordinators Association
• Queen’s University
• TVO
• University of Ontario Institute of Technology
• University of Windsor
• Western University
• Wilfrid Laurier University
• York University

About the Fields Institute

Founded in 1992, the Fields Institute is a leading international research centre located on the campus of the University of Toronto.

The mission of the Institute is to enhance mathematical activity in Canada by bringing together mathematicians from Canada and abroad, and by promoting contact and collaboration between professional mathematicians and the increasing numbers of users of mathematics. Thus the Institute supports research in pure and applied mathematics, statistics and computer science, as well as collaboration between mathematicians and those applying mathematics in areas such as engineering, the physical and biological sciences, medicine, economics and finance, telecommunications and information systems.

Every year, its programs attract more than 4000 participants from around the world. The Institute is supported by the Ontario Ministry of Research, Innovation and Science, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the National Science Foundation (US), and a growing list of partner universities and corporations in Canada, the United States, and Europe.

-30-

For media inquiries please contact:

Adam Zarboni

Communications Officer

The Fields Institute

222 College Street

2nd Floor Toronto ON Canada M5T 3J1

Phone 416 348 9710 ext. 3024