Our main goal was to support both students and teachers who face difficulties in teaching or learning mathematics in English, especially when their language proficiency is not strong enough, despite appearing fluent in everyday communication. These challenges become even more significant in academic settings, where subject-specific terminology and complex reasoning are required. Through this project, we aimed to create a valuable and practical resource for students and teachers working or studying in a foreign country for various reasons. The EMS project seeks to address a commonly overlooked gap in language education by introducing an innovative approach that connects language learning directly with mathematical thinking. Our objective was to enhance understanding, increase academic success, and promote more inclusive and effective teaching practices in multilingual and multicultural learning environments.
We applied for this project in response to the growing need to support students who are learning maths through a second language, particularly English. Studies on the relationship between English proficiency and success in maths have shown that limited English skills often lead to difficulties in understanding mathematical concepts, resulting in lower academic performance. Maths, while universal in many ways, still relies heavily on specific vocabulary, syntax, and logical reasoning, which can be a barrier for non-native speakers. In Greece, our partner university conducted a survey among international students and found that 75% of them felt insecure when learning in a language that is not their mother tongue. In Turkey, where classrooms often include students from various countries, 90% of teachers reported challenges in managing linguistic diversity in their classrooms. In Italy, it was observed that both graduates who continued their studies abroad and foreign students enrolled in their school faced significant challenges in understanding maths in English. EMS was created to address these needs by developing strategies and tools that help students overcome language barriers in maths and improve their academic success.