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Stepping, cube building and active involvement of pupils in learning. The students of the Teacher Training for Primary School, who took part in a paired lesson with a teacher from practice Jana Tomšíková, got to know all this better. Together they discovered an unconventional approach to teaching mathematics through the Hejný method. The meeting brought inspiration for future teaching practice and offered students a unique opportunity to compare traditional teaching methods with a modern approach.

Hejný method was an inspiration for many students. "I appreciate that I had the opportunity to learn about another method of teaching mathematics. The practical demonstrations were very informative," one student shared her feelings. "The assistants from the mathematics department transmit a wide range of teaching methods to the students so that they are well prepared both theoretically and practically when they enter schools," explained Miroslava Huclová from the mathematics department of the Department of Mathematics, Physics and Technical Education.

This method is a pedagogical approach to teaching mathematics that emphasizes discovery and building one's own knowledge through active student engagement. Pupils learn through problem solving, discussion and collaboration, which promotes their logical thinking, creativity and enjoyment of learning. The method involves working with a variety of environments (e.g., stepping stones, cube structures) and builds on children's natural curiosity and experience to increase their motivation and understanding of mathematics.

"During the session, students learned the key principles of the Heine Method, which promotes building a deep understanding of mathematics through self-discovery and working in diverse learning environments. They had the opportunity to practically try out graded tasks and experience the atmosphere that this innovative approach creates in mathematics classes," added Miroslava Huclová.

Jana Tomšíková, an expert in this method, has long been involved in the field of education and the creation of teaching materials. She has been involved in the creation of a number of textbooks, collaborated with professional author teams, editorially led Professor Hejný's mathematics textbook project and edited the Mathematics with the Four-Leaf Clover project. Since 2022, she has served as a non-elected chair of the Commission for Education, Education and Training of the Pilsen City Council and as a member of the Committee for Education and Employment of the Pilsen Regional Council.

Photos from the event can be viewed in the Faculty's online gallery.

The project INSPIRE 2 - Support for Undergraduate Preparation of Future Teachers, which made the event possible, supports innovative forms of education and contributes to better preparation of future teachers. The Department of Mathematics, Physics and Technical Education - Mathematics Department contributes to the modernisation of undergraduate education with this activity and offers students the opportunity to engage with current trends in teaching.