Professor Tuire Koponen develops methods for taking individual variation into account in Mathematics learning support
Tuire Koponen, Professor of Special Education at the University of Jyväskylä, has focused her career on researching the development of basic mathematical skills and developing related learning support. In her research, Koponen has examined, among other things, the connections between calculation fluency and rapid serial naming and overlapping reading fluency difficulties, as well as the connections between self-efficacy and math anxiety and learning. Intervention research to date has focused on examining the effectiveness of calculation strategy training and feedback that supports self-efficacy, as well as factors that explain individual variation in response to intervention.
Koponen emphasizes that there is natural variation in children's starting levels, and that taking this into account is essential for providing timely and targeted support. Learning Mathematics is also an emotional process, as attitudes toward Mathematics and self-esteem can determine the direction of learning.
Koponen currently serves as deputy director of the EarlyMath project, senior researcher at the InterLearn Centre of Excellence, and director of the Jyväskylä subproject of the EPM – Playing to Improve consortium. The research that began in EarlyMath continues in the BrightNumbers project, which he directs and which received funding from the Academy of Finland in the fall of 2024.
Towards a stronger mathematical foundation
The BrightNumbers project focuses in particular on individual variation in children's mathematical skills and on how educators' expertise and awareness of early skill development can be strengthened. The aim is to develop research-based operating models that support the development of basic mathematical skills in Early Childhood Education and preschool.
Many children who start school with poor skills do not benefit sufficiently from conventional teaching, which can have repercussions for years to come.
“Our goal is to enable students to start their school career with a strong foundation in mathematical thinking and a positive self-image as learners of Mathematics,” Koponen summarizes.
The project is designing a preventive support program that will enable Early Childhood Education professionals to support basic Mathematics skills in a more systematic and individualized manner.
Tuire Koponen started as a Professor of Special Education at the Department of Education at the University of Jyväskylä in May 2025. The field of the professorship is the effectiveness of teaching and support. In addition to her scientific work, Koponen has long worked as a clinical psychologist and trainer, for example at the Niilo Mäki Institute.
The inaugural lectures of the new Professors at the University of Jyväskylä will be held on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. Koponen will give a lecture on "Understanding the development of mathematical skills as a basis for learning support" (in Finnish) at the Seminarium building, starting at 12:15 p.m.
