Online maths challenge attracts 30,000 students

An online maths initiative which has attracted about 30,000 Irish students culminated in a final at Dublin Castle over the weekend.

LearnStorm, a free nine-week “maths and mindset challenge” is aimed at building students’ confidence and competence at a subject which is frequently cited by students as among the most difficult.

After two months of online learning, the LearnStorm Ireland final event celebrated the top 200 students and schools out of the thousands who registered this year.

Students earned tickets to the event based on their performance on cup leaderboards.

The final took place in a carnival atmosphere of team-based activities and problem-solving exercises.

Under the system, students earn points for strengthening core maths skills with the assistance of exercises, hints and videos.

"It's designed to reward the hard work and persistence of each student, something that the traditional method of maths education isn't able to measure,"said Adam Bargroff from Camara Ireland.

“Students are motivated and eager to complete even more exercises and have embraced technology to fully take control of their own learning.”

There has been a surge in interest in the challenge this year, with more than 30,000 students in 800 schools taking part. This, say organisers, represents a 200 per cent increase.

Ciara Chaney, a teacher based at Fingal Community College, Swords, said all of the school's classes and teachers were involved.

“The students work together to get each other over the line,” she said.

“It’s a fun way of learning in the classroom because they’re doing the work you’ve assigned to them but they think it’s a game, it’s a challenge, and they really rise to it as well.”

Jake Larkin, a student at Coláiste Bhaile Chláir, Claregalway, Co Galway, said it helped make maths much easier to understand.

“I enjoyed the trips after reaching the in-person finals. We got to do fun group activities and received goodie bags, too,” he said.

Mathletes

The challenge, originally called Mathletes, was started in 2014 by technology entrepreneur Seán O’Sullivan.

With its global expansion through Khan Academy and name change to LearnStorm, the initiative has grown significantly with students of all abilities.

“LearnStorm Ireland has grown from 3,000 to 30,000 students registered in just three short years,” said Kelly Kirkpatrick of the O’Sullivan Foundation.

“LearnStorm’s success is a story about renewed commitment and enthusiasm for learning maths in Ireland.”

Dublin City University is offering 10 students the opportunity to apply for scholarships based on top performance for mastering maths skills and persevering with their learning.

DCU president Brian MacCraith, who has championed new teacher and learning approaches to maths, said the initiative was a wonderful move to bring a buzz and excitement around the subject.

“It has already engaged tens of thousands of students all over Ireland in a manner that will have lasting effects on their future,” he said.