The research group investigates which mathematical and analytical competence professionals need now that workplaces are changing rapidly due to digitalization and technology. We are committed to equip (prospective) professionals with confidence and a problem-solving attitude to deal with mathematical, numerical and statistical problems in workplace situations.

Kees Hoogland

On 14 June 2025, Kees Hoogland passed away. Kees was very passionate about putting numeracy on the map, in the Netherlands and internationally. His outspoken views on education leave a lasting impression. Kees was far from finished. The research group will continue his work with the same passion. You can find his work as a professor for the HU on Kees' profile page.

Lines of research within the research group

The second research strand focuses on the question of which competences in the field of numeracy, mathematics and statistics citizens need for meaningful participation in today's digital and technological society. This research strand includes the concepts of financial literacy, health numeracy and critical interpreting of quantitative information. Tensions in education between inclusion and exclusion, connection and selection, self-confidence and fear are a significant point of interest.

Projects

The first research strand focuses on the question of which competences (prospective) professionals need in the field of numeracy, mathematics and statistics in a wide range of professions. The focus is on professionals for whom a certain competence in these domains forms a condition for their professional practice. Teacher training for primary education and secondary mathematics education are special points of interest. There is a relationship with research into higher-order competences such as analytical thinking, problem solving, modelling and abstraction.

Projects

The third research strand focuses on the question of how relevant mathematical and analytical competences can be acquired by citizens and professionals. We work on the professional development of students and lecturers within the HU programs. At the same time, we focus on educational programs to empower vulnerable citizens in the Utrecht region. The research strand also includes the question of how the concept of “basic skills” in the curricula for initial education can be modernized so that they better prepare for the competences that citizens and professionals need in their later life.

Projects

Strengthening Multilingual Expertise in the Classroom (VINI)

 ResearchComponents.ProjectsGrid.ItemLabel Primary School The Optimist

Primary schools are increasingly dealing with the internationalization of education and language diversity in classrooms. How can they contribute to fitting education for multilingual newcomers? This is being investigated in this project at Optimist Primary School.

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 ResearchComponents.ProjectsGrid.ItemLabel Paedagogische Hoschschule Heidelberg, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Pädagogische Hochschule Freiburg

Mathematics teachers lack not only essential statistical knowledge, but also an understanding of students' conceptions and difficulties and how to deal with them. The project addresses this directly through innovative training methods using eye-tracking vignettes.

Numeracy and debt - searching for relations

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PhD research on the relations between numeracy in a financial context and how it might contribute to debt.

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Education

The research group contributes to relevant and meaningful education, both within the HU and for other educational institutions. Empirical educational research is carried out together with regional, national, and international partners and translated into education.

Lecturer teaching

“The starting point of our work is the belief that everyone can develop relevant mathematical competence in a meaningful and inspiring learning environment”

Kees Hoogland Professor Mathematical and analytical competence of professionals

Collaboration

The research group collaborates with regional partners such as Utrecht University and various community colleges and with national and international partners and networks.

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Do you have a question or want to collaborate?

Lonneke Boels

Lonneke Boels

  • Researcher
  • ResearchComponents.ResearcherContactBlock.LectorateMathematical and analytical competence of professionals