Univ.-Prof. Dr. Günter Maresch

Univ.-Prof. Priv.-Doz. Mag. Dr. Günter MARESCH
Professor

Hellbrunnerstraße 34, A-5020 Salzburg

Tel.: +43 (0) 662 / 8044-5339
E-Mail:

Office: HKLSE-Nr. A-1.018
Consultation: We recommend making an appointment by e-mail in advance.

Professional Curriculum Vitae

  • Since 2021: Univ.-Prof. (full) at the Department of Mathematics, head of the research group for “Mathematics Education and Technology” (University of Salzburg)
  • Since 2019: Univ.-Prof. (full) at the department for mathematics and the school of education for mathematics eduation and geometry education (University of Salzburg)
  • Since 2018: Inventor and head of the spatial thinking training and learning platform RIF:  https://rif4you.eu/en
  • January 2022 – November 2024: Vice Dean of the Faculty for Digital and Analytical Sciences (DAS)
  • 2016 – 2019: Assoz.-Prof. at the School of Education for Mathematics Eduation and Geometry Education (University of Salzburg).
  • 2016: Habilitation at the University of Salzburg (venia docendi for Mathematics Education)
  • 2014 – 2016: Ass.-Prof. at the University of Salzburg for Mathematics Education and Geometry Education (School of Education)
  • Since 1998: Talks at more than 300 conferences and teacher inservice training courses ( selected talks and  courses)
  • 2005: PhD at the University of Salzburg
  • 1998 – 2014: Lecturer at the University of Salzburg for “Descriptive Geometry”, “Computer Aided Geometry”, “Computer Oriented Applications: Geometry”, and “Computer Oriented Applications”
  • 1996 – 2014: Teacher of Mathematics (M), Computer Science (ICT), Descriptive Geometry (GZ and DG); Network Administrator. Working group leader (ARGE leader) for GZ and DG. Co-appointed and employed at the “Pädagogische Hochschule Salzburg” (formerly “Pädagogisches Institut des Bundes in Salzburg”).
  • 1995: Descriptive Geometry and Mathematics at the Vienna University of Technology with a focus on Computer Science (Information and Communication Technology – ICT)
 

Research Focus

  • Mathematics Education
  • Geometry Education
  • Spatial Thinking
  • Strategies for Solving Geometric Tasks
  • Curriculum Development
  • Digital Software/Media/Tools (e. g. CAD) in the Teaching of Mathematics and Descriptive Geometry
 

MSCA-ITN-Project

With the University of Salzburg as a partner and consortium member, an international research project has been underway since January 2021 that aims to investigate and improve the spatial skills of elementary and secondary school students in particular. It also aims to help close the gender gap in MINT/STEM fields (MINT is short for mathematics – computer science – natural science – technology, STEM for science – technology – engineering – mathematics). The Spatially Enhanced Learning Linked to STEM (SellSTEM;  https://sellstem.eu/) project, coordinated by the Technical University of Dublin in Ireland, received € 4.12 million in funding from the Marie Skłodowska Curie Innovative Training Network under Horizon 2020, an EU 2020 flagship initiative to ensure Europe’s global competitiveness.

Research has shown that individuals with good spatial skills are much more likely to succeed and enjoy STEM subjects compared to those with less good spatial skills, making them more likely to choose studies and careers in the field. Over a four-year period, SellSTEM, a consortium of ten European universities and eight non-academic partners (such as Microsoft and SAP), will train 15 PhD students (so called Early Stage Researchers – ESR) to develop innovative and practical approaches to improving the spatial skills of elementary and secondary school-aged students in Europe so that they are better prepared to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects. Dr. Gavin Duffy from TU Dublin explains, “SellSTEM will develop methods to enhance children’s spatial skills through online learning, tactile activities, maker space workshop, project-based learning and integrated into the STEM curriculum. We will work with teachers and teacher educators to identify barriers and supports to spatial skill development so that sustainable classroom solutions can be offered to increase children’s spatial ability beyond existing levels. SellSTEM brings fresh thinking to the promotion of STEM education and careers, thereby enabling Europe to deliver on its growth and jobs agenda.” Prof. Dr. Günter Maresch from the Mathematics Education Research Group, scientist in charge of the project consortium at the University of Salzburg adds, “This will be the first large-scale study in Europe to explore the impact of spatial skills promotion on educational and career choices and their differences by age, gender and region. At the University of Salzburg, we will create new knowledge about the role of spatial skills for successful STEM teaching in elementary and secondary schools and implement the results in teacher education, among other areas.”

The members of the SellSTEM consortium are: Technological University Dublin (Ireland), Technische Universiteit Delft (Netherlands), Bangor University (UK), Norges Teknisk-Naturvitenskapelige Universitet – NTNU (Norway), Latvijas Universitāte (Latvia), Universiteit Leiden (Holland), Paris Lodron University Salzburg – PLUS (Austria), University of Regensburg, University of Koblenz-Landau and Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan – KTH (Sweden), Microsoft Ireland Operations, Stichting VHTO, SAP Service and Support Centre, Ionad Oideachais Mhuineacháin, De Galan School Voor Training, Science Hub TU Delft, Marino Institue of Technology and Stichting Waag Society.

Books, Other Publications, Talks, Courses, and Supervisions