25 September 2026
Danish second-grade students made greater progress in mathematics after taking part in the research-based ON TRACK project. The results suggest that the project’s problem-oriented approach to mathematics teaching can strengthen students’ learning – including beyond the areas directly covered by the project.
Around 250 Danish second-grade pupils from all 14 public schools in Kalundborg Municipality took part in ON TRACK, a research project from University College Absalon, which received a DKK 2.5 million (EUR 335,000) grant from the LEO Foundation in 2023. The results now show that, following the project, the pupils performed significantly better in numbers and algebra than a comparison group.
The pupils were tested both before and after the project to assess their development in mathematical skills, understanding and competencies. Following the project, fewer pupils were at the lowest proficiency levels, while more had learned more or considerably more than expected for second-grade mathematics.
Importantly, the progress extended beyond the areas directly addressed by the project – multi-digit subtraction and early algebra. Students also performed better in number sense and other arithmetic operations.
“This is an important result. It suggests that strengthening students’ skills and understanding in one central area of mathematics may also help them understand and work with other mathematical areas,” says Charlotte Skott, Associate Professor at University College Absalon and project lead for ON TRACK.
Building understanding from an early age
ON TRACK is based on learning trajectories – a research-based approach that takes into account how students’ mathematical understanding develops over time. Rather than moving quickly through large numbers of similar exercises, students are given time to explore mathematical problems, develop strategies and discuss different solutions with their classmates.
A key aim is to build a strong mathematical foundation early in school.
“Mathematics is cumulative: new learning builds on what students already understand. Developing a solid understanding of numbers in the early school years is therefore fundamental to their continued learning,” says Charlotte Skott.
The project also involved mathematics teachers from the participating schools and has resulted in freely available teaching materials based on the approach.
“ON TRACK is a strong example of how research-based knowledge can be translated into classroom practice. What is particularly encouraging is that the project can demonstrate a measurable difference in students’ learning,” says Anne-Marie Engel, Chief Scientific Officer at the LEO Foundation.
The work now continues with ON TRACK II, which will build on the experience from the first project and develop and test teaching for fifth-grade students, focusing on fractions and equations.
About ON TRACK
Grant recipient: Charlotte Skott, University College Absalon
Grant amount: DKK 2,500,872
Grant category: Education and Awareness Grants
Grant year: 2023