The use of Mathematical Investigations in a Queensland Primary School and Implications for Professional Development

Margaret Marshman; Darren Clark; Michael D Carey

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The use of Mathematical Investigations in a Queensland Primary School and Implications for Professional Development

Journal article

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The use of Mathematical Investigations in a Queensland Primary School and Implications for Professional Development

Margaret Marshman, Darren Clark and Michael D Carey

International Journal for Mathematics Teaching and Learning, Vol.April 16, pp.1-20

2015

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Abstract

Curriculum and Pedagogy

mathematical investigations

beliefs

teaching approaches

professional development

elementary school

With the introduction of Ways of Working in 2008, Queensland teachers received professional development on using investigations to teach mathematics. This case study explores the extent to which teachers in one Queensland Primary School use this pedagogy. To determine teachers' beliefs and teaching approaches, a five point Likert scale questionnaire was administered followed by open-ended interviews with three teachers: a beginning, an experienced and an expert teacher. The survey and interview results revealed that teachers generally held a balance of traditional and contemporary attitudes towards teaching maths. This was accompanied by a balance of traditional and contemporary teaching approaches. Teachers believed in the importance of investigations but preferred to spend time developing a sound mathematics knowledge base before allowing students to attempt an investigation. Interviews with the teachers revealed a need for ongoing structured professional development in four areas: approaches to collaborative learning in group work; strategies for teaching the language of mathematics; integration of investigative approaches, and scaffolding learning strategies.

Details

Title: The use of Mathematical Investigations in a Queensland Primary School and Implications for Professional Development
Authors: Margaret Marshman (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Darren Clark (Author)
Michael D Carey (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Publication details: International Journal for Mathematics Teaching and Learning, Vol.April 16, pp.1-20
Publisher: University of Exeter - Centre for Innovation in Mathematics Teaching
Date published: 2015
ISSN: 1473-0111
Copyright note: Copyright © 2015 The Authors. The copyright in all of this material belongs to the originators who created it. The material is made available through the CIMT for downloading and dissemination for NON-PROFIT MAKING PURPOSES ONLY.
Organisation Unit: School of Education - Legacy; Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre; School of Education and Tertiary Access; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Engage Research Lab
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449124202621
Output Type: Journal article

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