At the seminar “Architects of Change: Education for a Sustainable Future”, held on March 25, 2026, at the Latgale Industrial Technical School, the Nordplus project “Traditions and Innovations in Mathematics Education in the Baltic and Nordic Countries” (No. NPHE-2025/10040), implemented by Daugavpils University, was presented.

The presentation highlighted the project’s contribution to strengthening contemporary education oriented towards sustainable development, with particular emphasis on the role of mathematics education as a foundation for analytical thinking, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary learning.

Special attention was given to the relevance of the project for the professional practice of school and vocational (technical school) teachers. The materials and approaches developed within the project provide practical support for educators by helping them to:

• diversify teaching methods and make mathematics more accessible and engaging for students;
• integrate mathematics with other fields, such as technology, engineering, and real-life contexts;
• foster students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for further studies and the labour market;
• adapt teaching content to learners with diverse abilities and motivation levels.

In the context of vocational education, the project is particularly valuable as it strengthens the link between mathematics learning and professional applications, demonstrating how mathematical knowledge is used in practice, for example, in technical calculations, data analysis, and digital solutions.

The project also promotes the transfer of international experience into the school environment, enabling educators to explore good practices from the Baltic and Nordic countries and integrate them into their teaching. This contributes to the development of teachers’ professional competence and supports the transition towards modern, competence-based education.

Participation in the seminar provided an opportunity to highlight the project’s contribution to sustainable education and to emphasise the role of teachers as architects of change, designing learning processes that prepare students for future challenges.

Project implementation period: May 1, 2025 – October 1, 2026

Additional information:
Researcher Liene Briede
E-mail: liene.briede@du.lv