scholarly journals A CASE STUDY ON HOW PRIMARY-SCHOOL IN-SERVICE TEACHERS CONJECTURE AND PROVE: AN APPROACH FROM THE MATHEMATICAL COMMUNITY

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-72
Author(s):  
Aurora Fernández-León ◽  
José María Gavilán-Izquierdo ◽  
Rocío Toscano
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Mathematical Community ◽  
Legitimate Peripheral Participation ◽  
Mathematical Practices ◽  
Informal Activity ◽  
Research Mathematician

This paper studies how four primary-school in-service teachers develop the mathematical practices of conjecturing and proving. From the consideration of professional development as the legitimate peripheral participation in communities of practice, these teachers’ mathematical practices have been characterised by using a theoretical framework (consisting of categories of activities) that describes and explains how a research mathematician develops these two mathematical practices. This research has adopted a qualitative methodology and, in particular, a case study methodological approach. Data was collected in a working session on professional development while the four participants discussed two questions that invoked the development of the mathematical practices of conjecturing and proving. The results of this study show the significant presence of informal activities when the four participants conjecture, while few informal activities have been observed when they strive to prove a result. In addition, the use of examples (an informal activity) differs in the two practices, since examples support the conjecturing process but constitute obstacles for the proving process. Finally, the findings are contrasted with other related studies and several suggestions are presented that may be derived from this work to enhance professional development.

Cross-Border Collaborative Learning in the Professional Development of Teachers

2016 ◽  
pp. 1348-1379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafi Davidson ◽  
Amnon Glassner
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Online Course ◽  
Main Question ◽  
Web 2.0 Tools ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
New Directions ◽  
Teachers Professional Development

The goal of this chapter is to present a theoretical and practical frame for PD of teachers at the digital age. The main question we ask is how to develop life competencies and skills of teachers in order to change their learning and teaching in a way that enables school graduates to acquire relevant skills for life. The chapter inquires this issue by a qualitative methodology case study. The case is an online course for teachers' professional development. The chapter presents evidence from reflective diaries, interviews and scripts of students' and teachers' discussions, focusing on identification of the effects of the course's learning environments on the development of the teachers' self determination learning and skills. The findings indicate the useful effects of the combination between LMS environments and social media, such as Web 2.0 tools. The conclusions suggest new directions for teachers' professional development that encourage the design of a flexible fractal net which enable fostering teachers' leadership and innovation.

Cross-Border Collaborative Learning in the Professional Development of Teachers

2017 ◽  
pp. 715-746
Author(s):  
Rafi Davidson ◽  
Amnon Glassner
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Online Course ◽  
Main Question ◽  
Web 2.0 Tools ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
New Directions ◽  
Teachers Professional Development

The goal of this chapter is to present a theoretical and practical frame for PD of teachers at the digital age. The main question we ask is how to develop life competencies and skills of teachers in order to change their learning and teaching in a way that enables school graduates to acquire relevant skills for life. The chapter inquires this issue by a qualitative methodology case study . The case is an online course for teachers' professional development. The chapter presents evidence from reflective diaries, interviews and scripts of students' and teachers' discussions, focusing on identification of the effects of the course's learning environments on the development of the teachers' self determination learning and skills. The findings indicate the useful effects of the combination between LMS environments and social media, such as Web 2.0 tools. The conclusions suggest new directions for teachers' professional development that encourage the design of a flexible fractal net which enable fostering teachers' leadership and innovation.

scholarly journals Cooperative learning issues in elementary education: a Lithuanian case study

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 445-468
Author(s):  
Daiva Jakavonytė-Staškuvienė ◽  
Aušra Žemgulienė ◽  
Emilija Sakadolskis
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Elementary Education ◽  
Cooperative Learning ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Lesson Study ◽  
Classroom Practice ◽  
Pedagogical Practice ◽  
Traditional Group ◽  
Japanese Lesson Study

Aim. Cooperative learning (CL) is a widely recognised pedagogical practice which involves students working together to achieve common goals that they could not complete individually. Johnson and Johnson are among the main theorists behind the movement. In 1994 they announced five elements essential for the successful incorporation of CL in the classroom: (a) positive interdependence; (b) face-to-face promotive interaction; (c) individual and group accountability; (d) interpersonal and small group social skills; (e) group processing. In this study we seek to understand how primary school teachers implement cooperative learning and include the above-mentioned aspects in their classes. Methods. The qualitative case study was conducted at a primary school in Vilnius, Lithuania. Two lessons were recorded, transcribed, and analysed to gather evidence concerning variables that mediate cooperative learning. The teachers planned the lessons together, using the principles that are outlined in a professional development method called Japanese lesson study. The study involved two teachers and 40 (20+20 pupils in two classes) fourth graders. Also, interviews were conducted with the teachers and three pupils from each class. Results and conclusion. The forms of cooperative learning observed in the classrooms were markedly different, even though the lesson plans were almost identical. In Lesson 1 the teacher paid more attention to interdependence, interaction, and reflection. Consequently, students mentioned cooperation, assistance, and specifics of group workmore frequently. In Lesson 2, there was more traditional group work than CL schemes, and less interdependence, interaction, and reflection. The five essential elements were unequally represented in the lessons, highlighting the varied understanding of CL. ‘In situ’ research revealed which elements of cooperative learning need to be stressed inteacher pre-service and in-service settings. The study also deepened the understanding of which aspects are more difficult to implement, or which have made significant inroads into classroom practice. Originality. Situational research involving both CL and Japanese Lesson Study techniques provide valuable insights into the professional development of teachers who aim to improve their classroom practice.

Pedagogical content knowledge of sustainability

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 841-856 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mandy Singer-Brodowski
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Pedagogical Content Knowledge ◽  
Content Knowledge ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Learning Processes ◽  
Detailed Knowledge ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pedagogical Content ◽  
Self Organized

Purpose This paper’s purpose is to describe students’ learning processes in a project-based and self-organized seminar on sustainability. A detailed knowledge of typical learning processes is part of a pedagogical content knowledge of sustainability and can therefore contribute to the professional development of university educators. Design/methodology/approach In a project-based and self-organized seminar, a case study has been conducted with the grounded theory’s methodological approach. Data were collected from student interviews, group discussions and observations of students’ planning and organization meetings. Findings The results of the case study show that students’ learning processes vary depending on their pre-seminar sustainability experiences. Two types have been established: sustainability newcomers and sustainability experts. Furthermore, the results indicate the importance of emotions in the involvement with sustainability. Research limitations/implications The significance of the case study is limited by a small number of cases. Also, the results are specific for a seminar self-organized by the students and can therefore not simply be transferred to other seminars. Practical implications Knowledge of specific learning processes and a possible conceptual change in sustainability classes could be an important issue in the professional development of university educators because it would increase the educators’ pedagogical content knowledge. Originality/value The triangulation of qualitative data mainly served the investigation of students’ perspectives and therefore the understanding of subjective preferences, experiences and learning processes in the field of higher education for sustainable development (HESD).

“I Cannot Dance Upon My Toes”: A Case Study Into Teacher Learning Through Participating in an English Teaching Contest in China

2017 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xu Yueting
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Teacher Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Teaching Effectiveness ◽  
Lesson Plan ◽  
University Graduates ◽  
Legitimate Peripheral Participation ◽  
English Teaching ◽  
Differentiated Learning

AbstractThe professional development of College English (CE) teachers in China has received considerable attention due to their responsibility in preparing university graduates for adequate English proficiency. Many continuous professional development (CPD) activities have been conducted (e.g., national teaching contest) to improve CE teachers’ teaching effectiveness, an essential component of teacher learning. However, it has remained unknown concerning how teacher learning takes place in these well-intended CPD activities, and what mediating factors play an important role in teacher learning. To address this gap, this case study reports on a CE teacher’s (Janna, pseudonym) experience in preparing for and participating in an English teaching contest. Drawing upon multiple sets of data such as teacher reflective journals, interviews, observations of group discussions, and video-recorded teaching demonstration and lesson plan presentation, the findings reveal that teacher learning takes place at a superficial level through legitimate peripheral participation, yet at a deeper level through identity crisis. Vulnerable teacher learning is also identified in the CPD activity, with differentiated learning possibilities created by the tensions between resources and power relations within the community and the teacher’s conceptions of teaching and learning. The study concludes with implications for research of teacher learning and practice for teacher professional development.

Cross-Border Collaborative Learning in the Professional Development of Teachers

2016 ◽  
pp. 883-914
Author(s):  
Rafi Davidson ◽  
Amnon Glassner
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Online Course ◽  
Main Question ◽  
Web 2.0 Tools ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
New Directions ◽  
Teachers Professional Development

The goal of this chapter is to present a theoretical and practical frame for PD of teachers at the digital age. The main question we ask is how to develop life competencies and skills of teachers in order to change their learning and teaching in a way that enables school graduates to acquire relevant skills for life. The chapter inquires this issue by a qualitative methodology case study . The case is an online course for teachers' professional development. The chapter presents evidence from reflective diaries, interviews and scripts of students' and teachers' discussions, focusing on identification of the effects of the course's learning environments on the development of the teachers' self determination learning and skills. The findings indicate the useful effects of the combination between LMS environments and social media, such as Web 2.0 tools. The conclusions suggest new directions for teachers' professional development that encourage the design of a flexible fractal net which enable fostering teachers' leadership and innovation.

Curriculum and Professional Development in Environmental Education: A Case Study

1995 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 49-58
Author(s):  
Robyn Muhlebach
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Environmental Education ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Study Research ◽  
The One ◽  
Western Victoria

This particular case study looks at the problem of curriculum and professional development in environmental education at a small semi rural primary school in south western Victoria. In this paper the ‘study’ refers to the case study research at Elliminyt Primary School and the ‘project’ refers to a wider OECD-CERI ENSI project which included many other case studies other than the one described here.

Cross-Border Collaborative Learning in the Professional Development of Teachers

2016 ◽  
pp. 1037-1067
Author(s):  
Rafi Davidson ◽  
Amnon Glassner
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Online Course ◽  
Main Question ◽  
Web 2.0 Tools ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
New Directions ◽  
Teachers Professional Development

The goal of this chapter is to present a theoretical and practical frame for PD of teachers at the digital age. The main question we ask is how to develop life competencies and skills of teachers in order to change their learning and teaching in a way that enables school graduates to acquire relevant skills for life. The chapter inquires this issue by a qualitative methodology case study . The case is an online course for teachers' professional development. The chapter presents evidence from reflective diaries, interviews and scripts of students' and teachers' discussions, focusing on identification of the effects of the course's learning environments on the development of the teachers' self determination learning and skills. The findings indicate the useful effects of the combination between LMS environments and social media, such as Web 2.0 tools. The conclusions suggest new directions for teachers' professional development that encourage the design of a flexible fractal net which enable fostering teachers' leadership and innovation.

Cross-Border Collaborative Learning in the Professional Development of Teachers

2016 ◽  
pp. 558-588
Author(s):  
Rafi Davidson ◽  
Amnon Glassner
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Online Course ◽  
Main Question ◽  
Web 2.0 Tools ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
New Directions ◽  
Teachers Professional Development

The goal of this chapter is to present a theoretical and practical frame for PD of teachers at the digital age. The main question we ask is how to develop life competencies and skills of teachers in order to change their learning and teaching in a way that enables school graduates to acquire relevant skills for life. The chapter inquires this issue by a qualitative methodology case study . The case is an online course for teachers' professional development. The chapter presents evidence from reflective diaries, interviews and scripts of students' and teachers' discussions, focusing on identification of the effects of the course's learning environments on the development of the teachers' self determination learning and skills. The findings indicate the useful effects of the combination between LMS environments and social media, such as Web 2.0 tools. The conclusions suggest new directions for teachers' professional development that encourage the design of a flexible fractal net which enable fostering teachers' leadership and innovation.

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