Our goal with the PYTHAGORAS project was to make mathematics education more engaging, inclusive, and practical by integrating real-life applications and leveraging digital tools. Traditional teaching methods do not always accommodate different learning styles, making it difficult for some students to grasp essential concepts. By modernizing the approach, we aimed to create a more interactive and personalized learning experience, connecting mathematics to real-world problems relevant to students' fields of study. Additionally, we sought to improve the efficiency of teaching through innovative digital resources, gamification, and blended learning. PYTHAGORAS envisions a shift from large lecture-based teaching to a more student-centered approach, ensuring that new undergraduate students have the necessary foundational mathematical knowledge. The project also focuses on evaluating key aspects such as mathematical content, learning processes, perceptions of mathematics, and the personal characteristics of both students and teachers.
We applied for this project because we believe that mathematics education plays a crucial role in developing STEM competencies, yet it is often perceived as abstract and difficult to apply in real-world contexts.Although mathematics underpins all STEM disciplines, numerous studies indicate that a significant proportion of students, even in developed countries, lack the necessary skills in this field.Additionally, STEM degree programs face high dropout rates, primarily due to insufficient mathematical preparation and ineffective teaching methods. Through the PYTHAGORAS project, we aimed to address these critical needs by: -improving mathematics teaching by making it more relevant through real-life applications and enhancing the digital skills of both teachers and students. -increasing interactivity in learning by incorporating modern approaches such as gamification to make lessons more engaging and effective. -supporting fundamental knowledge by introducing an open-access online Pre-Calculus course available to all stakeholders. -adapting mathematics education for blended learning, integrating automated assessments, educational games, and micro-credentialing. We aim to enhance math skills, reduce STEM dropouts, and boost relevance.