Mark Prendergast

Dr. Mark Prendergast is a Senior Lecturer in Mathematics Education at the School of Education, University College Cork, where he joined in 2019. He currently serves as Director of the School's Cohort PhD programme and contributes to the delivery of modules on the Professional Master of Education (PME) and M.Ed. Masters programmes. Prior to his position at UCC, he held academic roles at the National Centre for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and Learning (NCE_MSTL) at the University of Limerick (2011-2012), Dublin Institute of Technology (2012-2014), and the School of Education at Trinity College Dublin (2014-2019).

Dr. Prendergast earned his BSc.(Hons.) in Physical Education and Mathematics from the University of Limerick in 2007, followed by a PhD in Mathematics Education from the same institution in 2011. His academic journey reflects a strong commitment to mathematics education and teacher development across multiple institutional contexts in Ireland.

His research program centers on three interconnected themes: Mathematics Education, Teacher Education, and Adult Numeracy. His work examines critical issues such as mathematics learning and teaching practices, curriculum reform implementation, teacher development pathways, and numeracy practices among adults. He has published extensively on topics including the transition from primary to secondary mathematics education, the 'grinds culture' in Ireland, and the impact of policy incentives on mathematics participation.

Analysis of his recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a strong focus on mathematics education policy and practice in Ireland. A significant portion of his work investigates the 'grinds culture' (private supplementary tutoring) in mathematics education, students' decisions regarding advanced mathematics participation, and the impact of bonus points for higher-level mathematics. He has also developed innovative approaches to adult numeracy education, notably the 'Numeracy-Meets' professional development model. His research methodology spans qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches, often involving collaboration with educational practitioners and policymakers.

• Three Irish Research Council New Foundation awards
• Two European Erasmus+ grants
• Two SCoTENS North/South Research Project grants
• Two Teaching Council John Coolahan Research Support Framework awards
• SOLAS Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) Strategy Collaboration and Innovation Fund

Dr. Prendergast actively supervises PhD research in education, particularly welcoming proposals in mathematics education. He has successfully secured diverse research funding that addresses practical educational challenges in Irish schools and communities. His collaborative approach is evident in numerous multi-institutional projects examining mathematics education across different educational sectors. Notably, he has developed the 'Numeracy-Meets' initiative, which provides professional development and networking opportunities for adult numeracy practitioners across Ireland, addressing a critical need in adult education.