Mathematics Teachers’ CPD Experience and Classroom Practice: Is CPD Improving Learning in Uganda’s Primary Schools?

2018 ◽  
pp. 151-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Obiero ◽  
Betty Ezati
Keyword(s):  
Mathematics Teachers ◽  
Classroom Practice ◽  
Primary Schools

scholarly journals Exploring Teachers' Views on Code-Switching as a Communicative Technique to Enhance the Teaching of Mathematics in Grade 4

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 637-6478
Author(s):  
Ailwei Solomon ◽  
Sizwe Blessing
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Mathematics Teachers ◽  
Social Constructivism ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Further Education ◽  
Code Switching ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Learning And Teaching

<p style="text-align: justify;">The teaching and learning of mathematics in South Africa are conducted through the authorised Language of Learning and Teaching (LoLT). South Africa has eleven official languages, and English is a Language of Learning and Teaching (LoLT) from the Intermediate and Further Education and Training (FET) Phase. This study explores teachers' views on code-switching as a communicative technique to enhance teaching mathematics in Grade 4 in selected primary schools in South Africa. This qualitative single case study employed the interpretivist paradigm and social constructivism theory. A convenient purposive sampling technique was used to sample six grade 4 mathematics teachers from three primary schools in the Alexandra township in South Africa. Researchers collected data through the use of semi-structured interviews, which were later analysed and discussed using themes. Findings indicate that teachers often code-switch from LoLT (English First Additional Language) into Home Language (H.L.) to enhance learners' understanding of the mathematics concepts. Researchers suggested the integration of code-switching into the curriculum policy and followed by in-service training for Grade 4 mathematics teachers in code-switching.</p>

scholarly journals Exploring Grade 6 mathematics teachers' use of the language of learning and teaching in assessment for learning

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sizwe B Mahlambi ◽  
Ailwei S Mawela
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Mathematics Teachers ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Assessment For Learning ◽  
Code Switching ◽  
Home Language ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Learning And Teaching

In this study, we aimed to explore Grade 6 mathematics teachers' use of English, the language of learning and teaching in assessment for learning in selected primary schools in Alexandra Township, South Africa. From Grade 4, English is the language of teaching and learning for most learners, despite English being the home language of a minority of learners. Results of studies have shown that in South Africa, in Grades 1 to 3, in which learners are taught using their home-language performance appears to be better than in Grades 4 to 6 where English as a First Additional Language (EFAL) is used for teaching and learning. Guided by qualitative case study design, we used semi-structured interviews and non-participatory observation to collect data from nine purposefully sampled Grade 6 mathematics teachers. In conjunction with the literature reviewed and the theory underpinning the study, we used themes to analyse, interpret, and discuss the data we collected. This research revealed that learners in Grade 6 struggle to understand English as the language of learning and teaching, so, to augment concept development and understanding, teachers and learners use code-switching. In the classrooms observed, this practice has become the norm to improve the performance of learners with limited language proficiency. However, because of the differences between the home language of learners and that of teachers in mathematics classrooms, code-switching is often not enough to ensure understanding.

Introducing lesson study in promoting a new mathematics curriculum in Irish post-primary schools

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 236-251 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Brosnan
Keyword(s):  
School Leadership ◽  
Mathematics Teachers ◽  
Lesson Study ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Mathematics Curriculum ◽  
Continuing Professional Development ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Initial Resistance

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate and review how the practices of Lesson Study fare in enhancing the professional capabilities of mathematics teachers when introduced as part of a pilot project in reforming the post-primary mathematics curriculum in Ireland. Design/methodology/approach – Totally, 250 mathematics teachers teaching Junior and Senior Cycle mathematics in 24 post-primary schools constitute the population of this study. The schools which participated are representative of the range of all post-primary schools in Ireland. Findings – Lesson Study has an important role to play in the continuing professional development of teachers in the 24 post-primary schools and beyond in Ireland. An investigation of the maths teachers’ engagement with Lesson Study reveals some considerable initial resistance. Reasons for this resistance are examined and the lessons learned from the steps taken to deal with this are reviewed. Lesson Study is an innovation that teachers need to understand deeply and to practice regularly through mutual support if they are to avail of it fruitfully. Accordingly, further approaches need to be explored, not least the important role of school leadership, to adapt Lesson Study more fully and more productively to the professional cultures of teaching in Ireland. Originality/value – An analytic and evaluative account of the challenges and complexities involved in introducing Lesson Study to post-primary schools in Ireland is presented for the first time.

Projects: Learning and Leading in Mathematics

1996 ◽  
Vol 89 (6) ◽  
pp. 540
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Mathematics Teachers ◽  
Classroom Practice ◽  
Development Program ◽  
School Mathematics ◽  
High School Mathematics ◽  
Capstone Courses ◽  
Mathematical Sciences ◽  
Academic Year ◽  
High School Mathematics Teachers

The Mathematical Sciences Sequential Summer Institute, MS3I, is a three-year professional-development program for high school mathematics teachers. Sponsored by the National Science Foundation, the institute is in its second year. The purpose of MS3I is to enable thirty well-prepared high school mathematics teachers to pursue intensive study of contemporary mathematics and applications while developing as mentors for their colleagues. A cohesive sequence of courses offered across three sequential summers is linked by academic-year capstone courses connecting study with classroom practice.

scholarly journals Assessment for Learning as a Driver for Active Learning and Learner Participation in Mathematics

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 473-485
Author(s):  
Sizwe Blessing
Keyword(s):  
Active Learning ◽  
Mathematics Teachers ◽  
Time Management ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Assessment For Learning ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Learner Participation

<p style="text-align:justify">The article focused on the use of assessment for learning in promoting active learning and learner participation in mathematics. Assessment for learning (AfL) has been found to enhance learning and improve performance. However, teachers’ use of AfL to enhance active learning has not been clearly outlined. This study is part of the broader research study that explored mathematics teachers’ use of AfL to enhance mathematics teaching and learning in primary schools in Alexandra Township, Johannesburg. A case study research-type and a qualitative approach were used to collect data from mathematics teachers. Nine teachers were purposefully selected from whom data were collected using semi-structured interviews and non-participant observation. The findings revealed that teachers had limited pedagogical knowledge in using AfL to promote active learning in their classrooms. They failed to apply a learner-centred approach that promotes effective learner participation in mathematics classrooms. Therefore, it is recommended that teachers undergo ongoing continuous development on classroom time management and planning for the effective use of AfL.</p>

scholarly journals The role of professional practices of primary school mathematics teachers in developing the skills of creative solution to mathematical problems among their students from the point of view of specialists: دور الممارسات المهنية لمعلمي رياضيات المرحلة الابتدائية في تنمية مهارات الحل الإبداعي للمشكلات الرياضية لدى طلابهم من وجهة نظر المختصين

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (33) ◽  
pp. 82-61
Author(s):  
Muhannad Muhammad Al-Amary Muhannad Muhammad Al-Amary
Keyword(s):  
Mathematics Teachers ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Professional Practices ◽  
Years Of Experience ◽  
Mathematics Problems ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Educational Supervisor ◽  
Mathematical Problems ◽  
Development Of Students

  This study aimed to identify the role played by the professional practices done by Mathematics teachers at primary schools in the development of students’ skills in solving Mathematics problems creatively from a professional point of view. In addition, the study aimed to identify any statistically significant differences in the professional practices according to some variants (job titles, years of experience, and qualifications). To achieve the objectives of the study, the researcher used the descriptive approach in surveys. A questionnaire has been designed as a tool to collect data. The questionnaire has been proved valid, reliable and practical when responded to by a sample included 80 Mathematics teachers and supervisors at Jeddah Directorate of Education (31) educational supervisors and (49) primary teachers. The questionnaire has been analyzed and statistically processed by SPSS. The research has formulated a list of professional practices done by Mathematics teachers at primary schools to develop students’ creativity skills in solving Mathematics problems, which all were of equal high importance and came in a descending order in three axes: understanding the problem, execution planning, and generating ideas. Also, the study found that there are statistically significant differences in the responses in average for the job title (educational supervisor, teacher) variant concerning the role played by Mathematics teachers at primary schools in the development of students’ skills in solving Mathematics problems creatively in all axes and in the questionnaire as whole. In addition, there is a statistically significant difference at ≥α)0.05) between the averages of responses of professionals according to the qualifications and years of experience on the role played by Mathematics teachers at primary schools in the development of students’ skills in solving Mathematics problems creatively for both the understanding problems and generating ideas axes. There are not any statistically significant differences in the execution and planning axis. Hence, the study set a model proposal for the roles to be played and practiced professionally by Mathematics teachers at primary schools to develop students’ skills in solving Mathematics problems creatively. In the light of the study, the researcher introduced a set of recommendations and suggestions.

scholarly journals Mathematics teachers’ reflective practice and the quality of their instruction.

2012 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Barbara Posthuma
Keyword(s):  
Effective Teaching ◽  
Reflective Practice ◽  
Mathematics Teachers ◽  
Effective Teachers ◽  
Classroom Practice ◽  
Classroom Practices ◽  
Teaching Of Mathematics ◽  
Recall Level

Researchers and theorists differ whether teachers’ reflection on their classroom practices and teaching mathematics effectively are linked or not. This study aims to align the benefits of reflective practice with the quality of education and the learning of mathematics. A qualitative case study was conducted with five mathematics teachers at a high school in a rural area of the Free State. Data were collected by conducting interviews and observing lesson presentations. The reflective aspect was evaluated by employing Lee’s (2005) three levels of reflection – ‘recall level’, ‘rationalisation level’ and ‘reflective level’. The quality of the teachers’ mathematics instruction was compared to the principles for effective teaching set by Anthony and Walshaw (2009). The study found that there was indeed a link between the teachers’ reflective classroom practice and their effectiveness in facilitating the learning of mathematics. The teachers who were more reflective in the preparation and presentation of their lessons, were also evaluated to be more effective teachers than those who were less reflective. The results of the study have implications for the professional development of practising teachers – not only due to the fact that teachers should be trained and encouraged to reflect on their teaching and the learning of mathematics, but also because they have to discuss the effective teaching of mathematics cooperatively with their fellow teachers.

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