Commentary for Section 1: Linking Research and Practice in School Mathematics

Author(s):  
M. A. Clements
2019 ◽  

The University of Potsdam hosted the 25th ProMath and the 5th WG Problem Solving conference. Both groups met for the second time in this constellation which contributed to profound discussions on problem solving in each country taking cultural particularities into account. The joint conference took place from 29th to 31st August 2018, with participants from Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Sweden, and Turkey. The conference revolved around the theme “Implementation research on problem solving in school settings”. These proceedings contain 14 peer-reviewed research and practical articles including a plenary paper from our distinguished colleague Anu Laine. In addition, the proceedings include three workshop reports which likewise focused on the conference theme. As such, these proceedings provide an overview of different research approaches and methods in implementation research on problem solving in school settings which may help close the gap between research and practice, and consequently make a step forward toward making problem solving an integral part of school mathematics on a large scale.


Author(s):  
Dianne Siemon

There is very little of any substance that can be achieved in school mathematics, and beyond without the capacity to recognise, represent and reason about relationships between quantities, that is, to think multiplicatively. However, research has consistently found that while most students in the middle years of schooling (i.e., Years 5 to 9) are able to solve simple multiplication and division problems involving small whole numbers, they rely on additive strategies to solve more complex problems involving larger numbers, fractions, decimals, and/or proportion. This paper describes how this situation can be addressed through the use of evidence-based formative assessment tools and teaching advice specifically designed to support the development of multiplicative thinking.


Crisis ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 459-463
Author(s):  
Kate Monaghan ◽  
Martin Harris

Abstract. Background: Suicide is a pervasive and complex issue that can challenge counselors through the course of their careers. Research and practice focus heavily on crisis management and imminent risk rather than early intervention strategies. Early intervention strategies can assist counselors working with clients who have suicidal ideation, but are not at imminent risk, or with clients whose risk factors identify them as having a stronger trajectory for suicidal ideation. Aims: This systematic literature review examines the current literature on working with clients with suicidal ideation who are not at imminent risk, to ascertain the types of information and strategies available to counselors working with this client group. Method: An initial 622 articles were identified for analysis and from these 24 were included in the final review, which was synthesized using a narrative approach. Results: Results indicate that research into early intervention strategies is extremely limited. Conclusion: It was possible to describe emergent themes and practice guidelines to assist counselors working with clients with suicidal ideation but not at imminent risk.


2002 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olga F. Voskuijl ◽  
Tjarda van Sliedregt

Summary: This paper presents a meta-analysis of published job analysis interrater reliability data in order to predict the expected levels of interrater reliability within specific combinations of moderators, such as rater source, experience of the rater, and type of job descriptive information. The overall mean interrater reliability of 91 reliability coefficients reported in the literature was .59. The results of experienced professionals (job analysts) showed the highest reliability coefficients (.76). The method of data collection (job contact versus job description) only affected the results of experienced job analysts. For this group higher interrater reliability coefficients were obtained for analyses based on job contact (.87) than for those based on job descriptions (.71). For other rater categories (e.g., students, organization members) neither the method of data collection nor training had a significant effect on the interrater reliability. Analyses based on scales with defined levels resulted in significantly higher interrater reliability coefficients than analyses based on scales with undefined levels. Behavior and job worth dimensions were rated more reliable (.62 and .60, respectively) than attributes and tasks (.49 and .29, respectively). Furthermore, the results indicated that if nonprofessional raters are used (e.g., incumbents or students), at least two to four raters are required to obtain a reliability coefficient of .80. These findings have implications for research and practice.


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