The major research projects at the Institute of Mathematics are interdisciplinary in nature. In mathematics didactics, the Institute is significantly involved in the DFG Research Training Group "Teaching Processes", in which subject-didactic, psychological and pedagogical working groups work closely together. The same applies to the research cluster Extracurricular Learning Spaces, for which the Institute is the spokesperson. The Institute's contribution to this research cluster is empirical research into pupils' learning processes when working in the Institute's own mathematics laboratories. In particular, mathematical concept formation, the interplay of representational models and computer simulations in the cognitive process, representational competence and mathematical terminology are central research perspectives. As part of the joint project Schülerlabore als Lehr-Lern-Labore (student laboratories as teaching-learning laboratories), which is funded by the Deutsche Telekom Foundation and in which the Institute is also the sub-project leader, empirical research is being carried out into the effect of involving student teachers in the design, implementation and research of student laboratory learning environments on their professional skills development. Other higher education didactic issues, such as the development of diagnostic skills and the ability to adapt teaching activities among student teachers, are also being empirically researched and promoted with the help of learning environments based on video vignettes. In the field of primary school mathematics, the focus is on research into the acquisition of mathematical skills in the transition from kindergarten to elementary school and the support of learning processes to prevent difficulties in learning arithmetic. One focus is the development of adaptive computer-based learning environments. In this context, the development of the professional competence of (prospective) teachers in the use of teaching and learning materials is also being investigated. In close cooperation with the project SINUS & inclusive education with ForMat at elementary school in Saarland, learning environments for research-based mathematics learning in extended heterogeneity are being developed and evaluated. In applied mathematics, research focuses in particular on spatial risk and resource management at the interface between probability theory, optimization and numerics. The corresponding research activities have a strong international focus and are linked to United Nations organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO-AT6FUI) and UN-SPIDER ("United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response"). Young scientists are supported not only through the Institute's participation in the DFG Research Training Group on Teaching Processes, but also through the organization of its own doctoral seminars, which the Institute holds in cooperation with working groups from ten universities at various locations. In addition, there are regular internal doctoral colloquia and close cooperation with summer schools and doctoral seminars organized by professional associations.

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Research and promotion of young researchers

Teaching at the Institute of Mathematics is characterized by an intensive integration of subject-specific, didactic and practical training components in the teacher training courses. This is achieved in particular through the integration of the Institute's student laboratories into teaching, but also through close networking with the study seminars and colleagues at schools of all types and levels in the region. The quality of the courses is systematically evaluated and further developed in a lively exchange with the students of the student council, through large-scale surveys among students and in plenary meetings with all lecturers and students of mathematics. To this end, regular internal training courses on the design of courses are also held with external speakers.

The Institute is responsible for all mathematics components in the Bachelor's and Master's degree courses for teachers at elementary school, special schools, secondary schools plus and grammar schools as well as environmental sciences.

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Teaching at the Institute of Mathematics

The Institute of Mathematics not only collaborates closely across all working groups in science and teaching, it is also networked in research with other institutes and departments at the university and far beyond. In addition, it offers a service for schools in the Landau region with its student laboratories(Mathematics Laboratory "Math is more", Mathematical Environmental Laboratory and PriMa Learning Workshop), which can conduct research on curriculum topics with entire school classes at the university. The Institute of Mathematics also supports and organizes the Pupils' University, the Mathematics Day with competitions for high-achieving pupils and the MATHElino Day for school beginners. In addition, the Institute networks with the region's teacher training colleges and offers them its own training events, such as the GeoGebra Day for teacher training colleges. The institute also organizes further training series throughout the Rhineland-Palatinate, such as the MaTeGnu project (teaching mathematics sustainably with technology based on basic concepts). In addition, training materials and training courses are developed and implemented in regular working groups with small teams of teachers (e.g. GeoGebra-Institut Landau (RLP)). Through these and many other activities, the institute works in and with the region.