Kicking Off in Malta: The First In-Person MathifyMe Meeting
The MathifyMe team held its first in-person Kick-off Meeting on November 28–29, 2024, at the Faculty of Education, University of Malta in Msida. Hosted by our partners at L-Università ta’ Malta, the event brought together 15 participants from five partner countries, marking an exciting milestone for the project.
This two-day meeting was more than just a formal gathering—it was a chance for the team to finally connect face-to-face, strengthen partnerships, and set the tone for a collaborative and creative journey ahead. The meeting featured a well-rounded programme that included:
Presentations from each partner organisation, highlighting their expertise and role in the project:
- Engaging lectures and discussions on the project’s major outputs and deeper reflections on math anxiety
- A comprehensive overview of work packages, activities, and team roles, including an assessment of needs and the groundwork for defining the MathifyMe digital game
- An introduction to the Teacher Professional Development (TPD) programme, which aims to empower mathematics teachers with practical strategies to address math anxiety through game-based learning
One of the highlights of the meeting was an inspiring session focused on the key question:
“Why can games help reduce math anxiety?”
This sparked thoughtful discussions and set the stage for innovative thinking as the project moves forward.
Beyond the productive sessions, the gathering offered a chance to build genuine connections, strengthen team spirit, and share cultural experiences. Participants enjoyed a guided cultural tour of Mdina and Rabat, exploring Malta’s fascinating history and vibrant heritage.
The Malta meeting set a strong foundation for the MathifyMe project, uniting the team around shared goals and a clear vision: to tackle math anxiety through creative, research-informed, and playful solutions.