Influence of a Mathematics Teachers' Circle on Elementary Teachers' Use of Problem Solving

2017 ◽  
Vol 117 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 317-328
Author(s):  
Mary L. Garner ◽  
Virginia Watson ◽  
Beth Rogers ◽  
Catherine Head
2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (48) ◽  
pp. 430-448 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helena Bezgovšek Vodušek ◽  
Alenka Lipovec

In the geometry research we operate with mental entities, which contain an image as an essential component. This helps us in thinking, but it often does not coincide with the formal definition. In many cases, flat shapes are represented only with a curve, a boundary, and not as a part of the plane, which can lead to a false conception of flat shapes. The purpose of the research was to clarify pre-service elementary teachers' (N=186) concept image in the case of a square, whether it is hollow or filled, and what role it plays in problem solving. Qualitative methodology, specifically thematic analysis, was used in order to analyze participants' responses to a specially designed task. Only a very small part of participants gave expected answers. The results showed that the pre- service teachers' image of a square as a frame totally dominated the conceptual part of the figural concept of a square.


Author(s):  
Olive Chapman

In recent years, considerable attention has been given to the knowledge teachers ought to hold for teaching mathematics. Teachers need to hold knowledge of mathematical problem solving for themselves as problem solvers and to help students to become better problem solvers. Thus, a teacher’s knowledge of and for teaching problem solving must be broader than general ability in problem solving. In this article a category-based perspective is used to discuss the types of knowledge that should be included in mathematical problem-solving knowledge for teaching. In particular, what do teachers need to know to teach for problem-solving proficiency? This question is addressed based on a review of the research literature on problem solving in mathematics education. The article discusses the perspective of problem-solving proficiency that framed the review and the findings regarding six categories of knowledge that teachers ought to hold to support students’ development of problem-solving proficiency. It concludes that mathematics problem-solving knowledge for teaching is a complex network of interdependent knowledge. Understanding this interdependence is important to help teachers to hold mathematical problem-solving knowledge for teaching so that it is usable in a meaningful and effective way in supporting problem-solving proficiency in their teaching. The perspective of mathematical problem-solving knowledge for teaching presented in this article can be built on to provide a framework of key knowledge mathematics teachers ought to hold to inform practice-based investigation of it and the design and investigation of learning experiences to help teachers to understand and develop the mathematics knowledge they need to teach for problem-solving proficiency.


2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-159
Author(s):  
Ljerka Jukić Matić

Problem solving in schools begins with mathematics teachers. The degree to which mathematics teachers are prepared to teach for, about and through problem solving influences on their implementation of problem solving in school. We conducted a small scale study where we examined the effect of implementation of heuristic strategies and Polya’s steps in mathematics method course. We assessed pre-service teachers’ knowledge and attitudes about them as problem solvers before and after the course. Moreover we assessed their beliefs of problem solving in school mathematics. Those beliefs were assessed in two occasions: right after the course and after finished teaching practice. Although students’ knowledge on problem solving was improved, the results of students’ beliefs show that it is important that pre-service teachers, and consequently in-service teachers, are constantly reminded on the positive effect of constructivist and inquiry-based approach on teaching mathematics.


2017 ◽  
Vol 111 (3) ◽  
pp. 207-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristen N. Bieda ◽  
Craig Huhn

Middle and high school mathematics teachers share what they learned about supporting students by conducting a series of three lesson studies.


1984 ◽  
Vol 31 (7) ◽  
pp. 44-45
Author(s):  
Donovan R. Lichtenberg

With the publication of An Agenda for Action (NCTM 1980). the Board of Directors of the NCTM took the position that problem solving should be the focus of teaching endeavors during this decade. Many mathematics teachers, undoubtedly, have been more than willing to endorse the Board's position.


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