Integrating Language and Content: Challenges in a Japanese Supplementary School in Victoria

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Okumura, Shinji; Obara, Yumi

2017-01-01

The Melbourne International School of Japanese (MISJ) is a supplementary Saturday school which offers Japanese language and mathematics taught in Japanese from kindergarten to senior secondary level. Classes are scheduled on Saturdays from 9am to 3pm and approximately half of the program is dedicated to mathematics. While mathematics education…

Good Mathematics Teaching from Mexican High School Students' Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martinez-Sierra, Gustavo

2014-01-01

This paper reports a qualitative research that identifies the characteristics of good mathematics teaching from the perspective of Mexican high school students. For this purpose, the social representations of a good mathematics teacher and a good mathematics class were identified in a group of 67 students. In order to obtain information, a…

Symmetry Motion Classes; Cambridge Conference on School Mathematics Feasibility Study No. 40.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McLane, Lyn

These materials were written with the aim of reflecting the thinking of The Cambridge Conference on School Mathematics (CCSM) regarding the goals and objectives for school mathematics. This document details the planning and response for each of ten lessons involving symmetry motions. The problems focused on (1) combining motions in a given order,…

A High School Statistics Class Investigates the Death Penalty

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brelias, Anastasia

2015-01-01

Recommendations for reforming high school mathematics curricula emphasize the importance of engaging students in mathematical investigations of societal issues (CCSSI [Common Core State Standards Initiative] 2010; NCTM [National Council of Teachers of Mathematics] 2000). Proponents argue that these investigations can positively influence students'…

Predictors of Information Technology Integration in Secondary Schools: Evidence from a Large Scale Study of More than 30,000 Students.

PubMed

Hew, Khe Foon; Tan, Cheng Yong

2016-01-01

The present study examined the predictors of information technology (IT) integration in secondary school mathematics lessons. The predictors pertained to IT resource availability in schools, school contextual/institutional variables, accountability pressure faced by schools, subject culture in mathematics, and mathematics teachers' pedagogical beliefs and practices. Data from 32,256 secondary school students from 2,519 schools in 16 developed economies who participated in the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2012 were analyzed using hierarchical linear modeling (HLM). Results showed that after controlling for student-level (gender, prior academic achievement and socioeconomic status) and school-level (class size, number of mathematics teachers) variables, students in schools with more computers per student, with more IT resources, with higher levels of IT curricular expectations, with an explicit policy on the use of IT in mathematics, whose teachers believed in student-centered teaching-learning, and whose teachers provided more problem-solving activities in class reported higher levels of IT integration. On the other hand, students who studied in schools with more positive teacher-related school learning climate, and with more academically demanding parents reported lower levels of IT integration. Student-related school learning climate, principal leadership behaviors, schools' public posting of achievement data, tracking of school's achievement data by administrative authorities, and pedagogical and curricular differentiation in mathematics lessons were not related to levels of IT integration. Put together, the predictors explained a total of 15.90% of the school-level variance in levels of IT integration. In particular, school IT resource availability, and mathematics teachers' pedagogical beliefs and practices stood out as the most important determinants of IT integration in mathematics lessons.

The Quality of Instruction in Urban High Schools: Comparing Mathematics and Science to English and Social Studies Classes in Chicago

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Valerie E.; Robinson, Shanta R.; Sebastian, James

2012-01-01

Is the quality of instruction systematically better in one subject than another? Teachers and students in the same Chicago high schools reported on one core-curriculum class (English, mathematics, science, or social studies) in 2007 surveys. Teachers commented on instructional demands and student participation. Students described engagement,…

A COMPARISON OF MATHEMATICS PROGRAMS FOR ABLE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS, VOLUME 1 - FINAL REPORT.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

GOLDBERG, MIRIAM L.; AND OTHERS

THE TALENTED YOUTH PROJECT (TYP) MATHEMATICS STUDY WAS DESIGNED AS A STUDY TO COMPARE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF VARIOUS CURRICULUM PATTERNS AND PRACTICES IN MATHEMATICS EDUCATION CURRENTLY USED WITH ACADEMICALLY TALENTED JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS. THE SAMPLE CONSISTED OF 51 CLASSES AND 6 MATHEMATICS PROGRAMS. THE LORGE-THORNDIKE VERBAL INTELLIGENCE…

Students' Emotions in the High School Mathematical Class: Appraisals in Terms of a Structure of Goals

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martínez-Sierra, Gustavo; García-González, María del Socorro

2017-01-01

Little research in the field of Mathematics Education is directed towards emotions of students beyond their emotions in problem-solving. In particular, the daily emotions of students in a mathematics class have been sparsely studied in the field of mathematics education. In order to fill this gap, this qualitative research aims to identify high…

Predictors of Information Technology Integration in Secondary Schools: Evidence from a Large Scale Study of More than 30,000 Students

PubMed Central

Hew, Khe Foon; Tan, Cheng Yong

2016-01-01

The present study examined the predictors of information technology (IT) integration in secondary school mathematics lessons. The predictors pertained to IT resource availability in schools, school contextual/institutional variables, accountability pressure faced by schools, subject culture in mathematics, and mathematics teachers’ pedagogical beliefs and practices. Data from 32,256 secondary school students from 2,519 schools in 16 developed economies who participated in the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2012 were analyzed using hierarchical linear modeling (HLM). Results showed that after controlling for student-level (gender, prior academic achievement and socioeconomic status) and school-level (class size, number of mathematics teachers) variables, students in schools with more computers per student, with more IT resources, with higher levels of IT curricular expectations, with an explicit policy on the use of IT in mathematics, whose teachers believed in student-centered teaching-learning, and whose teachers provided more problem-solving activities in class reported higher levels of IT integration. On the other hand, students who studied in schools with more positive teacher-related school learning climate, and with more academically demanding parents reported lower levels of IT integration. Student-related school learning climate, principal leadership behaviors, schools’ public posting of achievement data, tracking of school’s achievement data by administrative authorities, and pedagogical and curricular differentiation in mathematics lessons were not related to levels of IT integration. Put together, the predictors explained a total of 15.90% of the school-level variance in levels of IT integration. In particular, school IT resource availability, and mathematics teachers’ pedagogical beliefs and practices stood out as the most important determinants of IT integration in mathematics lessons. PMID:27997593

The Impact of Participation in an Ancillary Science and Mathematics Program (SEMAA) on Engagement Rates of Middle School Students in Regular Mathematics Classrooms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Seaton, Daniel M.; Carr, Donna

2005-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of participation in a federally sponsored, short-term, cocurricular, mathematics and science program (Science Engineering Mathematics Aerospace Academy, SEMAA) on the engagement rates of sixth- and seventh-grade students in public school mathematics classes. Engagement was measured with the…

Students' Perceptions of Single-Gender Science and Mathematics Classroom Experiences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown, Sherri L.; Ronau, Robert R.

2012-01-01

While participating in single- and mixed-gender science and mathematics classes, ninth-grade urban high school students' (n = 118) academic self-concept, self-efficacy, and school climate perceptions were examined. Their perceptions were measured quantitatively from the Fennema-Sherman Mathematics (modified for Science) Attitude and the Patterns…

A Profile of Mathematics Instruction Time in Irish Second Level Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Prendergast, Mark; O'Meara, Niamh

2017-01-01

Similar to counties such as the UK and Netherlands, second level schools in Ireland are free to decide how to allocate instruction time between curriculum subjects. This results in variations between the quantum of time allocated to teaching mathematics in different schools and between different class groups within the same school. This…

Accelerating Mathematics Achievement Using Heterogeneous Grouping

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burris, Carol Corbett; Heubert, Jay P.; Levin, Henry M.

2006-01-01

This longitudinal study examined the effects of providing an accelerated mathematics curriculum in heterogeneously grouped middle school classes in a diverse suburban school district. A quasi-experimental cohort design was used to evaluate subsequent completion of advanced high school math courses as well as academic achievement. Results showed…

What I Wish I Had Learned in School.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tuttle, Jerome E.

1990-01-01

Discussed are some applications of mathematics involved in actuarial science which may be taught in high school mathematics classes. Described are the importance of approximate solutions, multiple answers, and selling the solution to a problem. (CW)

Gender Differences in School Achievement: A Within-Class Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cahan, Sorel; Barneron, Meir; Kassim, Suhad

2014-01-01

Relying on the results of the achievement tests in mathematics, science, native language (Hebrew/Arabic) and English, administered to 1430 5th-grade co-educational classes in Israel, this study examines the between-class variability of the within-class mean score gender differences and its class and school correlates. The four main results of the…

Preparing and Supporting Black Students to Enroll and Achieve in Advanced Mathematics Classes in Middle School: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cobbs, Joyce Bernice

2014-01-01

The literature on minority student achievement indicates that Black students are underrepresented in advanced mathematics courses. Advanced mathematics courses offer students the opportunity to engage with challenging curricula, experience rigorous instruction, and interact with quality teachers. The middle school years are particularly…

The Problem Is the Solution: Creating Original Problems in Gifted Mathematics Classes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Matsko, Vince; Thomas, Jerald

2014-01-01

The purpose of this exploratory study was to assess the effect of a novel approach to mathematics instruction on gifted high school students' engagement, motivation, and metacognition. Participants in this study included gifted students who were enrolled in a 3-year, residential, specialized mathematics and science high school. Rather than respond…

Mathematics Engagement in an Australian Lower Secondary School

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Norton, Stephen

2017-01-01

The importance of actively engaging in mathematics discourse in order to learn mathematics is well recognized. In this paper, I use Basil Bernstein's concepts of pedagogic discourse to document and analyse academic learning time of students in Years 8 and 9 at a suburban lower secondary school: in particular, for what proportion of class time…

Effects of Single-Sex versus Co-Educational Classes and Schools on Gender Differences in Progress in Language and Mathematics Achievement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Van de gaer, Eva; Pustjens, Heidi; Van Damme, Jan; De Munter, Agnes

2004-01-01

In this study, the effects of single-sex versus co-educational classes and schools on the progress in language and mathematics of boys and girls at the end of the second year of secondary education are investigated. Data from the Longitudinaal Onderzoek Secundair Onderwijs project are used. Multilevel analyses were carried out on a sample of…

Critical Thinking Skills of Students through Mathematics Learning with ASSURE Model Assisted by Software Autograph

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kristianti, Y.; Prabawanto, S.; Suhendra, S.

2017-09-01

This study aims to examine the ability of critical thinking and students who attain learning mathematics with learning model ASSURE assisted Autograph software. The design of this study was experimental group with pre-test and post-test control group. The experimental group obtained a mathematics learning with ASSURE-assisted model Autograph software and the control group acquired the mathematics learning with the conventional model. The data are obtained from the research results through critical thinking skills tests. This research was conducted at junior high school level with research population in one of junior high school student in Subang Regency of Lesson Year 2016/2017 and research sample of class VIII student in one of junior high school in Subang Regency for 2 classes. Analysis of research data is administered quantitatively. Quantitative data analysis was performed on the normalized gain level between the two sample groups using a one-way anova test. The results show that mathematics learning with ASSURE assisted model Autograph software can improve the critical thinking ability of junior high school students. Mathematical learning using ASSURE-assisted model Autograph software is significantly better in improving the critical thinking skills of junior high school students compared with conventional models.

The Effect of Cultures in Eighth Grade Mathematics Classroom: A Case Study of a LEP Student.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Duncan, Aki

The fastest-growing sector of the American school population is the limited English proficient (LEP) students, those students whose native language is not English. When mainstreamed they are usually enrolled in physical education, art, and music classes first. The students then enter mathematics classes under the assumption that mathematics is…

"Our Issues, Our People--Math as Our Weapon": Critical Mathematics in a Chicago Neighborhood High School

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gutstein, Eric

2016-01-01

This article provides an example of, and lessons from, teaching and learning critical mathematics in a Chicago public neighborhood high school with a social justice focus. It is based on a qualitative study of my untracked, 12th-grade mathematics class, a full-year enactment of mathematics for social and racial justice. Students were Black and…

Learner Perceptions of the Introduction of Computer-Assisted Learning in Mathematics at a Peri-Urban School in South Africa

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hartley, M. Shaheed; Treagust, David F.

2014-01-01

This study responded to a national call to improve the outcomes in mathematics in the Grade 12 matriculation examination in South Africa by reporting learners' perceptions of the introduction of computer-assisted learning in their mathematics classrooms. Three Grade 12 mathematics classes in a peri-urban school in South Africa were visited over a…

Variability in Anxiety for Teaching Mathematics among Pre-service Elementary School Teachers Enrolled in a Mathematics Course.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Levine, Gavrielle

This investigation traced changes in anxiety for teaching mathematics (ATM) among pre-service elementary school teachers (n=36) enrolled in a mathematics methods course by analyzing their weekly journal entries. Journal entries were coded for high level of ATM (ATM-high) or absence of ATM (ATM-absent) during the first class session, as well as…

The Role of STEM High Schools in Reducing Gaps in Science and Mathematics Coursetaking: Evidence from North Carolina. Research Report. RTI Press Publication RR-0025-1603

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Glennie, Elizabeth; Mason, Marcinda; Dalton, Ben

2016-01-01

Some states have created science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) schools to encourage student interest and enhance student proficiency in STEM subjects. We examined a set of STEM schools serving disadvantaged students to see whether these students were more likely to take and pass advanced science and mathematics classes than…

A Comparison of Students in Single-Sex Classes and Coeducational Classes in High Poverty Public Elementary Schools in Mathematics and Reading Achievement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aldridge, Ashley Elizabeth

2009-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether any statistically significant differences in mathematics and reading academic achievement and academic gains of male and female students taught in single-sex classes existed when compared to male and female students taught in coeducational classes. This study reported findings from mathematics…

Obstacles of Teaching Mathematics Faced by the Class Teachers in Jordan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nejem, Khamis Mousa; Muhanna, Waffa

2013-01-01

The purpose of the study is to investigate the obstacles of teaching mathematics faced by the class teachers in Jordan. To achieve this purpose a study sample of 192 male and female class teachers was selected randomly from government schools. The instrument of the study was a questionnaire used to investigate the obstacles of mathematics…

An Examination of Single-Gender and Coeducational Classes: Their Impact on the Academic Achievement of Middle School Students Enrolled in Mathematics and Science at Selected Schools in Georgia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Elam, Jeanette H.

2009-01-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the academic performance of students enrolled in coeducational instruction and single-gender instruction. Within this framework, the researcher examined class type, gender, and racial/ethnicity using the sixth grade CRCT scores of selected students in the areas of mathematics and science. The fifth-grade…

Teacher’s Mathematical Communication Profile in Facilitating and Guiding Discussion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Umami, R.; Budayasa, I. K.; Suwarsono, St.

2018-01-01

Teacher’s communication skill plays an important role, one of which is to guide a class discussion for teaching purposes. This study aimed to investigate a teacher’s mathematical communication profile in facilitating and guiding a class discussion. This study is qualitative. A junior teacher of high school (i.e., a teacher with 1 to 5 year teaching experience) teaching mathematics at X-Social Class was selected as the subject of this study. The data was collected by observing the teacher’s mathematical communication in facilitating and guiding a discussion with the rules of sinus as the teaching material, and it was followed by a deep interview. The result showed that the junior teacher facilitated and guided a class discussion include providing responses (answer) addressing students’ difficulties and providing chances for students to propose and explain their ideas and be active in discussion. The junior teacher provides responses at sharp, optimal, and specific manner. In addition, she provides chances for her students to explain their thinking and have a discussion in anticipative, observative, selective, and connective manner. However, the study found that some of high-school teachers develop mathematical communication skills and use them to develop students’ mathematical communication skills.

Predicting the Attitudes and Self-Esteem of the Grade 9th Lower Secondary School Students towards Mathematics from Their Perceptions of the Classroom Learning Environment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tran, Van Dat

2012-01-01

This study reports the validity of the hypothesis that students' perceptions of the learning environment of mathematics classroom may predict their attitudes and self-esteem towards mathematics. It examines data from 487 grade 9th students from 14 mathematics classes in 7 Vietnamese lower secondary schools to identify how students' perceptions of…

Mathematics Literacy on Problem Based Learning with Indonesian Realistic Mathematics Education Approach Assisted E-Learning Edmodo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wardono; Waluya, S. B.; Mariani, Scolastika; Candra D, S.

2016-02-01

This study aims to find out that there are differences in mathematical literacy ability in content Change and Relationship class VII Junior High School 19, Semarang by Problem Based Learning (PBL) model with an Indonesian Realistic Mathematics Education (called Pendidikan Matematika Realistik Indonesia or PMRI in Indonesia) approach assisted Elearning Edmodo, PBL with a PMRI approach, and expository; to know whether the group of students with learning PBL models with PMRI approach and assisted E-learning Edmodo can improve mathematics literacy; to know that the quality of learning PBL models with a PMRI approach assisted E-learning Edmodo has a good category; to describe the difficulties of students in working the problems of mathematical literacy ability oriented PISA. This research is a mixed methods study. The population was seventh grade students of Junior High School 19, Semarang Indonesia. Sample selection is done by random sampling so that the selected experimental class 1, class 2 and the control experiment. Data collected by the methods of documentation, tests and interviews. From the results of this study showed average mathematics literacy ability of students in the group PBL models with a PMRI approach assisted E-learning Edmodo better than average mathematics literacy ability of students in the group PBL models with a PMRI approach and better than average mathematics literacy ability of students in the expository models; Mathematics literacy ability in the class using the PBL model with a PMRI approach assisted E-learning Edmodo have increased and the improvement of mathematics literacy ability is higher than the improvement of mathematics literacy ability of class that uses the model of PBL learning with PMRI approach and is higher than the improvement of mathematics literacy ability of class that uses the expository models; The quality of learning using PBL models with a PMRI approach assisted E-learning Edmodo have very good category.

Estrategias Didácticas y Conocimiento Especializado de Profesores de Matemáticas. Un Caso en Álgebra Escolar = Teaching Strategies and Mathematics Teacher's Specialized Knowledge. A Case in School Algebra

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sandoval, Ivonne; Solares Rojas, Armando; García-Campos, Montserrat

2017-01-01

We present results of the analysis of knowledge used by a secondary school mathematics teacher in her classroom practice. This knowledge takes shape and is displayed as specific teaching strategies in the management of her class when she incorporates Computer Algebra Systems. Based on observations of regular classes, we find that her knowledge…

Impact of Chess Training on Mathematics Performance and Concentration Ability of Children with Learning Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Scholz, Markus; Niesch, Harald; Steffen, Olaf; Ernst, Baerbel; Loeffler, Markus; Witruk, Evelin; Schwarz, Hans

2008-01-01

The aim of this study is to evaluate the benefit of chess in mathematics lessons for children with learning disabilities based on lower intelligence (IQ 70-85). School classes of four German schools for children with learning disabilities were randomly assigned to receive one hour of chess lesson instead of one hour of regular mathematics lessons…

AN EVALUATION OF HIGH SCHOOL MATHEMATICS PROGRAMMED TEXTS WHEN USED WITH DEAF STUDENTS.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

BORNSTEIN, HARRY

A COMPARISON WAS MADE OF THE RATE AND LEVEL OF ACHIEVEMENT OF 150 DEAF STUDENTS RESULTING FROM THE USE OF PROGRAMED TEXTS AS AGAINST THE USUAL LECTURE METHODS IN HIGH SCHOOL MATHEMATICS. EACH OF FOUR MATHEMATICS TEACHERS HAD TWO COMPARABLE CLASSES. THE CONTROL GROUP RECEIVED INFORMATION BY SIMULTANEOUS LECTURE AND THE EXPERIMENTAL GROUPS USED THE…

The same teacher, the same curriculum materials, different schools: What is the enacted curriculum?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eisenmann, Tammy

This research examines how the same teacher implements the same curriculum material in two different schools. The aim of the study is to examine how the enacted algebra curriculum may change when the same teacher enacts the same written curriculum materials in different classes. This research comprises two case studies. Each case examines one teacher who taught the beginning of the mathematical topic "equivalent algebraic expressions", to two 7th grade classes from different schools. The same textbook was used in all four classes. The data collected includes: 1. Observations: 25930 lessons throughout the school year in each of the participating classes; Other mathematics classes in each of the schools; Other non9mathematics classes in the participating classes. A total of 130 lessons were observed. The observations included continuous observations of the teaching of "equivalent algebraic expressions" (15919 lessons) in each class. These observations are the main data source of this research; 2. Interviews with the teachers; 3. Informal conversations; and 4. Field notes. The data was analyzed both through quantitative and qualitative analysis. The research focuses on the following two aspects of the enacted curriculum: implementation of the recommendation that appeared in the curriculum materials and the types of algebraic activity that the students were exposed to during the teaching of the mathematical topic. Kieran's framework (Kieran, 1996, 2004), which distinguishes between three types of algebraic activities 9 generational, transformational and global/meta9level 9 was employed for the examination of the algebraic activities. Comparisons were made for two aspects of the research: between the enacted curriculum in each of the classes and the curriculum materials; and between each of the classes taught by same teacher. It was found that in case study 1, that examined teacher Sara and schools Carmel and Tavor -- most of the recommendations for instruction that appeared in the curriculum materials, were implemented: The students were exposed to the main mathematical subjects/ideas and the mathematical sequence that appeared in the curriculum materials; the lesson structure was similar to the recommended structure, and did not include work on assignments that were not recommended in the curriculum materials. In spite of the similarities in each of the classes, and the curriculum materials, and between the two classes -- a few differences were found, mainly while comparing the enactment in Tavor versus the recommendations in the curriculum materials and the enactment in Carmel. Examination of the algebraic types of activities that the students were exposed to in Carmel and Tavor schools throughout the school year shows that, although the students in the two schools were not required to deal with a similar number of assignments and tasks, in both schools they were exposed to the three types of algebraic activities in similar distribution as appear in the curriculum materials. The focus on the algebraic types of activities exposed to during the whole class work, shows that a significantly lesser percentage of global/meta9level activities was enacted in Tavor. In Tavor, teacher Sara omitted global/meta level activities that appear in the curriculum materials and in addition, there were several cases in which the same assignment/task was enacted in Carmel as a global/meta9level activity but was not enacted in Tavor. In case study 2, which included teacher Rebecca and schools Gamla and Arbel, not all the recommendations in the curriculum material were enacted. Indeed, in both classes the main mathematics subjects/ideas intended for this topic according to the curriculum materials were presented to the students, and the topic was taught according to the mathematical sequence that appeared in the curriculum materials, however in both classes the lesson structures were different from the intended structure -- unintended assignments were enacted, and some of the assignments were enacted not according to their purpose (for example, an assignment that was intended for group work was given as homework). These differences were found in comparison of each of the classes to the curriculum materials and in comparison between Gamla and Arbel. Examination of the algebraic types of activities that the students were exposed to in both classes throughout the school year as well as in the whole class -- shows differences originating from both transformational and global/meta9level algebraic activities. It was found that in Gamla more global/meta9level activities were enacted, as compared to the curriculum materials and the enactment in Arbel. In Arbel, however, emphasis was given to transformational activities as compared to the curriculum materials and enactment in Gamla. In addition it was found that there is also a difference in the way both teachers, Sara and Rebecca, perceived the curriculum materials, and that this perception is expressed in the different way each of them used the curriculum materials in their classes. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Effects of Testwiseness Training in Mathematics on Adolescent Secondary School Students' Test Anxiety in Ondo State, Nigeria

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gbore, Lawrence Olu; Osakuade, Joseph Oluwatayo

2016-01-01

This study investigated the effects of test-wiseness training in Mathematics on adolescent secondary school students' test anxiety. The research study adopted for the study was an experimental research that involved pretest, posttest and control groups design. One hundred and twenty (120) adolescent senior secondary school class three students of…

The Effect of Cluster-Based Instruction on Mathematic Achievement in Inclusive Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gunarhadi, Sunardi; Anwar, Mohammad; Andayani, Tri Rejeki; Shaari, Abdull Sukor

2016-01-01

The research aimed to investigate the effect of Cluster-Based Instruction (CBI) on the academic achievement of Mathematics in inclusive schools. The sample was 68 students in two intact classes, including those with learning disabilities, selected using a cluster random technique among 17 inclusive schools in the regency of Surakarta. The two…

Using Writing in Mathematics to Deepen Student Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Urquhart, Vicki

2009-01-01

Writing is the ability to compose text effectively for different purposes and audiences. When many of us reflect on our own school experiences, we recall writing in English and history classes, but not in mathematics. Math classes previously relied on skill-building and conceptual understanding activities. Today, teachers are realizing that…

The Power of the Raised Eyebrow.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burton, Grace M.

This paper begins by emphasizing the school counselor's role in insuring equal educational opportunities for all students. The problem of girls' low enrollment in secondary school mathematics classes and the implications of an inadequate mathematics background are discussed. Specific steps to encourage young women to continue their study of…

Social Representations of High School Students about Mathematics Assessment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martínez-Sierra, Gustavo; Valle-Zequeida, María E.; Miranda-Tirado, Marisa; Dolores-Flores, Crisólogo

2016-01-01

The perceptions of students about assessment in mathematics classes have been sparsely investigated. In order to fill this gap, this qualitative study aims to identify the social "representations" (understood as the system of values, ideas, and practices about a social object) of high school students regarding "assessment in…

Corner Reflector Mathematics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Popelka, Susan R.

2011-01-01

Tiny prisms in reflective road signs and safety vests have interesting geometrical properties that can be discussed at any level of high school mathematics. At the beginning of the school year, the author teaches a unit on these reflective materials in her precalculus class so that students can review and strengthen their geometry and trigonometry…

Elementary Teachers Integrate Music Activities into Regular Mathematics Lessons: Effects on Students' Mathematical Abilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

An, Song; Capraro, Mary Margaret; Tillman, Daniel A.

2013-01-01

This article presents exploratory research investigating the way teachers integrate music into their regular mathematics lessons as well as the effects of music-mathematics interdisciplinary lessons on elementary school students' mathematical abilities of modeling, strategy and application. Two teachers and two classes of first grade and third…

A Study of Mathematics Infusion in Middle School Technology Education Classes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burghardt, M. David; Hecht, Deborah; Russo, Maria; Lauckhardt, James; Hacker, Michael

2010-01-01

The present study examined the impact of introducing a mathematics infused engineering/technology education (ETE) curriculum on students' mathematics content knowledge and attitudes toward mathematics. The purpose of the present study was to: (a) compare the effects of a mathematics infused ETE curriculum and a control curriculum on student…

Utilizing Online Education in Florida to Meet Mandated Class Size Limitations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mattox, Kari Ann

2012-01-01

With the passage of a state constitutional amendment in 2002, Florida school districts faced the challenge of meeting class size mandates in core subjects, such as mathematics, English, and science by the 2010-2011 school year, or face financial penalties. Underpinning the amendment's goals was the argument that smaller classes are more effective…

Parent Academy: Evaluation Report and Executive Summary

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Husain, Fatima; Jabin, Nico; Haywood, Sarah; Kasim, Adetayo; Paylor, Jonathan

2016-01-01

The Parent Academy was a series of classes for pupils' parents, designed to improve the English and mathematics attainment of pupils in Years 3 to 6 in English primary schools. Parents were offered the opportunity to participate in 12 Parent Academy classes, 6 on English and 6 on mathematics, delivered fortnightly by tutors with teaching…

Epistemic Schemes and Epistemic States. a Study of Mathematics Convincement in Elementary School Classes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rigo-Lemini, Mirela

2013-01-01

The paper introduces an interpretative framework that contains a characterization of "epistemic schemes" (constructs that are used to explain how class agents themselves are able to gain convincement in or promote convincement of mathematical statements) and "epistemic states" (a person's internal states, such as…

Mathematics for Electronics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clary, Joseph R.; Nery, Karen P.

This set of 20 modules was designed for use primarily to help teach and reinforce the basic mathematics skills in electronics classes. The modules are based on electronics competencies that require mathematics skills, as determined by a panel of high school electronics and mathematics teachers. Each module consists of one or two pages of basic…

Teaching Mathematics in Rudolf Steiner Schools for Classes I-VIII. How To Become Imaginative and Holistic. Volume 1, Up to Age 14.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jarman, Ron

This book aims to present helpful, practical ideas and suggestions for mathematics teaching. Focus is on how teaching can be developed in a Rudolf Steiner (Waldorf) School and includes treatment of mathematical topics applicable to the 7-14 age group. Suggestions for curriculum and examples for children to work on are presented with a very wide…

The link between middle school mathematics course placement and achievement.

PubMed

Domina, Thurston

2014-01-01

The proportion of eighth graders in United States public schools enrolled in algebra or a more advanced mathematics course doubled between 1990 and 2011. This article uses Early Childhood Longitudinal Study's Kindergarten Cohort data to consider the selection process into advanced middle school mathematics courses and estimate the effects of advanced courses on students' mathematics achievement (n = 6,425; mean age at eighth grade = 13.7). Eighth-grade algebra and geometry course placements are academically selective, but considerable between-school variation exists in students' odds of taking these advanced courses. While analyses indicate that advanced middle school mathematics courses boost student achievement, these effects are most pronounced in content areas closely related to class content and may be contingent on student academic readiness. © 2014 The Author. Child Development © 2014 Society for Research in Child Development, Inc.

Who Majors in Science? College Graduates in Science, Engineering, or Mathematics from the High School Class of 1980. Survey Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gordon, Henry A.

The number of college graduates majoring in science, engineering, or mathematics is widely perceived as vital to the future international competitiveness of the United States. This report examines the major fields of study of a representative sample of high school seniors from the 1980 High School and Beyond senior cohort survey who had graduated…

Effectiveness of discovery learning model on mathematical problem solving

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herdiana, Yunita; Wahyudin, Sispiyati, Ririn

2017-08-01

This research is aimed to describe the effectiveness of discovery learning model on mathematical problem solving. This research investigate the students' problem solving competency before and after learned by using discovery learning model. The population used in this research was student in grade VII in one of junior high school in West Bandung Regency. From nine classes, class VII B were randomly selected as the sample of experiment class, and class VII C as control class, which consist of 35 students every class. The method in this research was quasi experiment. The instrument in this research is pre-test, worksheet and post-test about problem solving of mathematics. Based on the research, it can be conclude that the qualification of problem solving competency of students who gets discovery learning model on level 80%, including in medium category and it show that discovery learning model effective to improve mathematical problem solving.

Do Class Size Reductions Make a Difference to Classroom Practice? The Case of Hong Kong Primary Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Galton, Maurice; Pell, Tony

2012-01-01

This paper describes changes which took place in 37 Hong Kong primary schools where class sizes were reduced from 38 to between 20 and 25. Chinese, English and mathematics classes were observed over three years from Primary 1 (aged 6) to Primary 3. For 75% of observations no child was the focus of the teacher's attention in large classes. Reducing…

Implementation of cooperative learning model type STAD with RME approach to understanding of mathematical concept student state junior high school in Pekanbaru

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nurhayati, Dian Mita; Hartono

2017-05-01

This study aims to determine whether there is a difference in the ability of understanding the concept of mathematics between students who use cooperative learning model Student Teams Achievement Division type with Realistic Mathematic Education approach and students who use regular learning in seventh grade SMPN 35 Pekanbaru. This study was quasi experiments with Posttest-only Control Design. The populations in this research were all the seventh grade students in one of state junior high school in Pekanbaru. The samples were a class that is used as the experimental class and one other as the control class. The process of sampling is using purposive sampling technique. Retrieval of data in this study using the documentation, observation sheets, and test. The test use t-test formula to determine whether there is a difference in student's understanding of mathematical concepts. Before the t-test, should be used to test the homogeneity and normality. Based in the analysis of these data with t0 = 2.9 there is a difference in student's understanding of mathematical concepts between experimental and control class. Percentage of students experimental class with score more than 65 was 76.9% and 56.4% of students control class. Thus be concluded, the ability of understanding mathematical concepts students who use the cooperative learning model type STAD with RME approach better than students using the regular learning. So that cooperative learning model type STAD with RME approach is well used in learning process.

Students' Attitudes towards Mathematics and the Impacts of Mathematics Teachers' Approaches on It

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Elçi, Aysun Nüket

2017-01-01

The purpose of the study is to determine students' attitudes towards mathematics, to investigate these attitudes according to the different variables, and to reveal the impacts of mathematics teachers' approaches and in-class activities on the students' attitudes towards mathematics. The study was conducted with the high school students from…

A Case Study on Pre-Service Secondary School Mathematics Teachers' Cognitive-Metacognitive Behaviours in Mathematical Modelling Process

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sagirli, Meryem Özturan

2016-01-01

The aim of the present study is to investigate pre-service secondary mathematics teachers' cognitive-metacognitive behaviours during the mathematical problem-solving process considering class level. The study, in which the case study methodology was employed, was carried out with eight pre-service mathematics teachers, enrolled at a university in…

Relationships of Mathematics Anxiety, Mathematics Self-Efficacy and Mathematics Performance of Adult Basic Education Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Watts, Beverly Kinsey

2011-01-01

Competent mathematical skills are needed in the workplace as well as in the college setting. Adults in Adult Basic Education classes and programs generally perform below high school level competency, but very few studies have been performed investigating the predictors of mathematical success for adults. The current study contributes to the…

Using collective argumentation to engage students in a primary mathematics classroom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, Raymond

2017-02-01

This article focuses on using sociocultural theory to support student engagement with mathematics. The sociocultural approach used, collective argumentation (CA), is based on interactive principles necessary for coordinating student engagement in the discourse of the classroom. A goal of the research was to explore the affordances and constraints of using CA to enrich student engagement with mathematics. The design of the research was based on a teaching experiment that sought to capture the influence of social and cultural processes on learning and development. Participants included primary and secondary school teachers and their mathematics classes. This article focuses on the practice of one female primary school teacher. Data sources included interview transcripts, report writings, journal entries and observational records. Data were analysed using a participation framework. Findings suggest that aspects of CA such as students explaining and justifying ideas and presenting ideas to the whole class can be used by teachers to promote student engagement with mathematics.

Relations of Instructional Tasks to Teacher-Student Discourse in Mathematics Classrooms of Chinese Primary Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ni, Yujing; Zhou, Dehui; Li, Xiaoqing; Li, Qiong

2014-01-01

This study, based on observation of 90 fifth-grade mathematics classes in Chinese elementary schools, examined how the task features, high cognitive demand, multiple representations, and multiple solution methods may relate to classroom discourse. Results indicate that high cognitive demand tasks were associated with teachers' use higher order…

High School Students' Attitudes towards Mathematics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yasar, Metin

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study is to determine the attitudes of students studying at different types of high schools towards mathematics classes, and to test whether or not there is a meaningful difference between the demographic properties of the students and their attitudes. The data used in this study were obtained from 1,801 students studying at…

Understanding Middle School Students' Motivation in Math Class: The Expectancy-Value Model Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yurt, Eyup

2015-01-01

One of the most important variables affecting middle school students' mathematics performance is motivation. Motivation is closely related with expectancy belief regarding the task and value attached to the task. Identification of which one or ones of the factors constituting motivation is more closely related to mathematics performance may help…

Differential Experience and Degree of Selection: A Comment on "Schooling and Sex Roles: The Case of GCE 'O' Level Mathematics."

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cooper, Barry

1982-01-01

Presents an alternative hypothetical explanation of the results obtained in Sharma and Meighan's research. The study did not control for intelligence, social class, and other relevant variables which might explain the difference between the sexes in mathematical attainment in secondary schools. (AM)

An analysis of teacher’s preparation in implementing 2013 revision edition curriculum on mathematics specialization learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Susilo, T.; Suryawan, A.

2018-05-01

This study aimed to determine the pedagogical competence of teachers, the readiness of planning and implementation of learning related to the implementation 2013 revised edition curriculum on mathematics specialization learning for senior high schools Wonogiri. Informants in this study there are 6 high school mathematics teachers X and XI class who teach in the school district Wonogiri. Data were collected using questionnaire method, interview, observation and documentation. Qualitative data analysis is done interactively through 4 paths: data collection, data reduction, data display, drawing conclusion. The results showed that high school mathematics teacher class X and XI in school district of Wonogiri City. The results show that most high school mathematics teachers in grade X and XI are ready to implement the 2013 revised edition curriculum and a few have not been able to implement due to internal or external factors. High school math teachers at Wonogiri district who are ready to face the 2013 revised edition curriculum have applied 10 teacher pedagogic competency indicators according to Regulation of the national education ministry Number 16 Year 2007 in learning. The readiness and implementation of mathematics learning is in line with the demands of the 2013 revised edition curriculum. Based on the teachers who are not ready, data on issues that arise in the implementation of the 2013 revised edition curriculum. Especially the problems in learning, namely mismatch of Core Competence (KI) and Basic Competence (KD) in teacher manual, material disregard in student handbook and lack of examples of problems that exist in teacher manual.

The Effectiveness of Single-Gender Eighth-Grade English, History, Mathematics and Science Classes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roth, Douglas Jeffrey

2009-01-01

Purpose, scope, and method of study. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of eighth-grade single-gender classes with coed classes across subject area, gender, at-risk status, and socioeconomic status (SES). The sample was drawn from one school, DeSoto West Junior High School, where enrollment averages 80% African American,…

Evaluating Online Resources in Terms of Learning Environment and Student Attitudes in Middle-Grade Mathematics Classes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Earle, James E.; Fraser, Barry J.

2017-01-01

The main objective of this research was to use learning environment and attitude scales in evaluating online resource materials for supporting a traditional mathematics curriculum. The sample consisted of 914 middle-school students in 49 classes. A second research focus was the validation of the chosen learning environment questionnaire, the…

Promoting children's health through physically active math classes: a pilot study.

PubMed

Erwin, Heather E; Abel, Mark G; Beighle, Aaron; Beets, Michael W

2011-03-01

School-based interventions are encouraged to support youth physical activity (PA). Classroom-based PA has been incorporated as one component of school wellness policies. The purpose of this pilot study is to examine the effects of integrating PA with mathematics content on math class and school day PA levels of elementary students. Participants include four teachers and 75 students. Five math classes are taught without PA integration (i.e., baseline) followed by 13 math classes that integrate PA. Students wear pedometers and accelerometers to track PA during math class and throughout the school day. Students perform significantly more PA on school days and in math classes during the intervention. In addition, students perform higher intensity (step min(-1)) PA during PA integration math classes compared with baseline math classes. Integrating PA into the classroom is an effective alternative approach to improving PA levels among youth and is an important component of school-based wellness policies.

An Analysis of the Effects of Class Size on Student Achievement in Selected Middle Schools in the Sandhills Region of North Carolina

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maples, Jeffrey B.

2009-01-01

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of class size and student achievement in mathematics and reading. The study focused on grades 6 through 8 and used the results of the North Carolina EOG tests in mathematics and reading for the academic year 2006-2007. This study examined the effects of class size and student achievement in…

The Effect of Manipulatives on Achievement Scores in the Middle School Mathematics Class

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Doias, Elaine D.

2013-01-01

When applied to mathematics education, manipulatives help students to visualize mathematical concepts and apply them to everyday situations. Interest in mathematics instruction has increased dramatically over the past two decades with the introduction of virtual manipulatives, as opposed to the concrete manipulatives that have been employed for…

Approaches to Studying the Enacted Mathematics Curriculum. Research in Mathematics Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heck, Dan, Ed.; Chval, Kathryn, Ed.; Weiss, Iris, Ed.; Ziebarth, Steven W., Ed.

2012-01-01

Curriculum materials are among the most pervasive and powerful influences on school mathematics. In many mathematics classes, student assignments, the questions the teacher asks, the ways students are grouped, the forms of assessment, and much more originate in curriculum materials. At the same time, teachers have considerable latitude in how they…

Mathematics Learning Assisted Geogebra using Technologically Aligned Classroom (TAC) to Improve Communication Skills of Vocasional High School Student

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuliardi, R.; Nurjanah

2017-09-01

The purpose of this study to analyze mathematical communication skill’s student to resolve geometry transformation problems through computer Assisted Geogebra using Technologically Aligned Classroom (TAC). The population in this study were students from one of Vocasional High School Student in West Java. Selection of sample by purposed random sampling, the experimental class is taught Technologically Aligned Classroom (TAC) with GeoGebra, while the control class is taught by conventional learning. This study was quasi-experimental with pretest and posttest control group design. Based on the results; (1) The enhancement of student mathematical communication skills through TAC was higher than the conventional learning; (2) based on gender, there were no differences of mathematical communication skilss student who exposed with TAC and conventional learning; (3) based on KAM test, there was significant enhancement of students’ communication skills among ability of high, middle, and low KAM. The differences occur between high KAM and middle KAM, and also between high KAM and low KAM. Based on this result, mathematics learning Assisted Geogebra using Technologically Aligned Classroom (TAC) can be applied in the process of Mathematics Learning in Vocasional High School.

Examining School Counselor Influence on the Placement of Ninth-Grade Students into Mathematics Courses: An Analysis of the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bradley-Lambright, Portia Elizabeth

2016-01-01

The purpose of this quantitative study was to understand the placement of ninth-grade students within advanced mathematics courses. High school counselors are often criticized for being an ineffective resource in the placement of students of color and low-income students into such classes; even though their professional mandates state that they…

Effect of Problem-Based Learning on Senior Secondary School Students' Achievements in Further Mathematics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fatade, Alfred Olufemi; Mogari, David; Arigbabu, Abayomi Adelaja

2013-01-01

The study investigated the effect of Problem-based learning (PBL) on senior secondary school students' achievements in Further Mathematics (FM) in Nigeria within the blueprint of pretest-post-test non-equivalent control group quasi-experimental design. Intact classes were used and in all, 96 students participated in the study (42 in the…

Evaluating the Effectiveness of an Intervention Mathematics Class for Low Achieving Middle School Students in Northwest Georgia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Coats, Johnnie Hugh

2013-01-01

High-stakes testing has become crucial in public education, requiring students to meet increasingly higher standards, regardless of their ability levels. This causal-comparative study sought to determine the effectiveness of an intervention mathematics course in the middle school setting for at-risk, sixth grade students. The Georgia Criterion…

The Use of Educational Platforms as Teaching Resource in Mathematics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gómez-Zermeño, Marcela; Franco-Gutiérrez, Héctor

2018-01-01

Dropping out from the school system at High School level has been a problem for several years; high levels of mathematics' failing have been a recurring situation. This paper discusses how academic virtual counseling might be a tool to help students in math class. The methodological approach is based in the non-experimental, longitudinal model…

Methods and Materials in Teaching Secondary School Mathematics - Syllabus. Revised Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gallia, Thomas J.

This syllabus describes a course designed for the student interested in teaching mathematics at the secondary level and includes both campus centered activities and a field experience. The professor teaching this class is expected to "bridge the gap" between theory in the college classroom and practice as viewed in the secondary school. The…

The influence of mathematics learning using SAVI approach on junior high school students’ mathematical modelling ability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khusna, H.; Heryaningsih, N. Y.

2018-01-01

The aim of this research was to examine mathematical modeling ability who learn mathematics by using SAVI approach. This research was a quasi-experimental research with non-equivalent control group designed by using purposive sampling technique. The population of this research was the state junior high school students in Lembang while the sample consisted of two class at 8th grade. The instrument used in this research was mathematical modeling ability. Data analysis of this research was conducted by using SPSS 20 by Windows. The result showed that students’ ability of mathematical modeling who learn mathematics by using SAVI approach was better than students’ ability of mathematical modeling who learn mathematics using conventional learning.

Good Intentions: AN Experiment in Middle School Single-Sex Science and Mathematics Classrooms with High Minority Enrollment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baker, Dale

This study examined the effects of single-sex middle school science and mathematics classrooms with high minority enrollment on achievement, affect, peer, and teacher-student interactions. All students earned higher grades in mathematics than in science. Girls earned higher grades than boys. The higher grades of girls were not clearly attributable to the singlesex environment, and aspects of the single-sex environment interfered with boys' achievement. The single-sex environment contributed to girls', but not boys', feelings of empowerment, peer support, and positive self-concept. The curriculum and pedagogy were better suited to girls than to boys, leading to discipline problems and hostile interactions. However, boys were more engaged in technology-based activities than girls. Overall, all-boy classes were less supportive learning environments than all-girl classes. Although the results replicate findings elsewhere, this is the only study to look at minority students in middle school.

Effects of the Copy, Cover, and Compare Procedure on the Math and Spelling Performance of a High School Student with Behavioral Disorder: A Case Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cieslar, Whitney; McLaughlin, T. F.; Derby, K. Mark

2008-01-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the copy, cover, and compare (CCC) procedure on improving the mathematics and spelling performance of a freshman attending a high school special education class. The participant was a 16-year-old high school student enrolled in special education classes for 3 periods of the school day. Math…

Using the Computer Algebra System "Maple" to Generate Research Questions for Pre-Service Teachers in a Capstone Course

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Farley, Rosemary Carroll

2013-01-01

At Manhattan College, secondary mathematics education students take a capstone course designed specifically for them. In this course, students revisit important topics in the high school curriculum from a mathematically advanced perspective; incorporating the mathematical knowledge they have attained in their college mathematics classes to an…

Mathematics in Finance and Economics: Importance of Teaching Higher Order Mathematical Thinking Skills in Finance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tularam, Gurudeo Anand

2013-01-01

This paper addresses the importance of teaching mathematics in business and finance schools of tertiary institutions of Australia. The paper explores the nature of thinking and reasoning required for advancement financial or economic studies involves the use of higher order thinking and creativity skills (HOTS) for teaching in mathematics classes.…

Salient Beliefs of Secondary School Mathematics Teachers Using Dynamic Geometry Software

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chan, Kan Kan

2015-01-01

Even though dynamic geometry software (DGS) is becoming an emergent instructional tool for mathematics teachers, many teachers are still in the process of consideration about whether to use it. In order to encourage teachers to use DGS, this study seeks to discover mathematics teachers' salient beliefs about the use of DGS in mathematics class.…

Imagination, Intuition, and Computing in School Algebra.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kieren, Thomas E.; Olson, Alton T.

1989-01-01

Two incidents involving novice teachers with classes in grades 7 and 10 are presented. Then considered are the nature of intuitive mathematics and contributions computers can make to such intuitive mathematics, particularly in Algebra. (MNS)

Elementary School Mathematics Teacher Trainees' Metacognitive Awareness Levels: Turkey Case

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Memnun, Dilek Sezgin; Hart, Lynn Cecilia

2012-01-01

The aim of this research is to determine the metacognitive awareness levels of elementary mathematics teacher trainees and to investigate whether their awareness differs according to gender and class level. We also investigate the relationship between the metacognitive awareness levels of trainee mathematics teacher's and their overall performance…

Ability Grouping in English Secondary School: Effects on Attainment in English, Mathematics, and Science.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ireson, Judith; Hallam, Susan; Hack, Sarah; Clark, Helen; Plewis, Ian

2002-01-01

Studied the impact of ability grouping on attainment in a cohort of year-9 students in 45 mixed secondary schools in England representing a variety of grouping practices. In mathematics, students at higher levels by year 6 make more progress in sets, but those in lower levels make more progress in mixed ability classes. Discusses educational…

A Class Act--Mathematics as Filter of Equity in South Africa's schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kahn, Michael

2005-01-01

This article explores the way that educational disadvantage and opportunity became manifest in the South African school system by tracking performance in the gateway subject of Mathematics (and to a lesser extent Physical Science). Previous research by the author showed how it was possible to use a proxy method to track redress in the absence of…

Gender Differences and Mathematics Achievement of Senior High School Students: A Case of Ghana National College

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arhin, Ato Kwamina; Offoe, Adelaide Koryoe

2015-01-01

A quasi-experimental research was conducted to find out differences in mathematics performance of students using performance assessment-driven instructions at the senior high school level at Ghana National College in Cape Coast. Two Form 1 science classes were used for the study and were assigned as experimental and control groups. These two…

Maths to Make Things Happen.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Haylock, Derek; Morgans, Helen

1986-01-01

A class of 20 children eight to nine years old with low mathematic attainments assumed responsibility for planning the school's Easter Parade. Real life problems of purchasing prizes, timing the parade, and taking photographs provided opportunities for mathematics learning. (CL)

Making the Most of Going over Homework

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Otten, Samuel; Cirillo, Michelle; Herbel-Eisenmann, Beth A.

2015-01-01

According to two studies of middle school and high school mathematics classrooms, 15 to 20 percent of class time tends to be spent reviewing homework (Grouws et al. 2010; Otten, Herbel-Eisenmann, and Cirillo 2012). So how can class time spent going over homework (GOHW) provide students with rich opportunities to learn from their homework? What are…

Coordinating Formal and Informal Aspects of Mathematics in a Computer Based Learning Environment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Skouras, A. S.

2006-01-01

The introduction of educational technology to school classes promises--through the students' active engagement with mathematical concepts--the creation of teaching and learning opportunities in mathematics. However, the way technological tools are used in the teaching practice as a means of human thought and action remains an unsettled matter as…

Fostering Elementary Students' Mathematics Disposition through Music-Mathematics Integrated Lessons

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

An, Song A.; Tillman, Daniel A.; Boren, Rachel; Wang, Junjun

2014-01-01

Two classes of third grade students (n = 56) from an elementary school located on the western coast of the United States participated in this research study. A pretest-posttest control group design was utilized to examine changes between two groups of participating students' in mathematics achievement and dispositions, including beliefs about…

Mathematically Gifted in the Heterogeneously Grouped Mathematics Classroom: What Is a Teacher to Do?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reed, Catherine Finlayson

2004-01-01

Differentiation provides one method by which teachers can provide appropriate challenges at appropriate levels for all learners in a heterogeneously grouped mathematics classroom, where the range of abilities and interests can be wide. This article considers a heterogeneously grouped high school geometry class where differentiation is practiced.…

Profile of Secondary School Students with High Mathematics Ability in Solving Shape and Space Problem

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Putra, Mulia; Novita, Rita

2015-01-01

This study aimed to describe the profile of secondary school students with high mathematics ability in solving shape and space problem in PISA (Program for International Student Assessment). It is a descriptive research with a qualitative approach, in which the subjects in this study were students of class VIII SMP N 1 Banda Aceh. The results show…

MAOS: An Innovative Way to Teach High School.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harray, Nancy; And Others

1997-01-01

Describes an innovative high school program that uses oceanography, mathematics, and science as common threads in the instructional program. The program utilizes an innovative class structure, community involvement, and hands on activities. (DDR)

At S.C. School, Behavior Is One of the Basics: A Charleston Middle School Joins the Growing Number Nationwide That Use PBIS Strategies to Teach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shah, Nirvi

2012-01-01

Learning "how to be a Haut Gap student" is one of the basics at Charleston's Haut Gap Middle School. Along with reading, science, and mathematics classes, every student at Haut Gap Middle School takes a course in how to be a Haut Gap student. For most students, the class is 40 minutes a day for nine weeks. But it can last 18 weeks for…

Embedded Mathematics in Chemistry: A Case Study of Students' Attitudes and Mastery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Preininger, Anita M.

2017-02-01

There are many factors that shape students' attitudes toward science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This exploratory study of high school students examined the effect of enriching chemistry with math on chemistry students' attitudes toward math and careers involving math. To measure student attitudes, a survey was administered before and after the 18-week chemistry class; results from the chemistry class were compared to survey results from students in an elective science class that did not emphasize mathematics. At the end of the 18-week period, only the chemistry students exhibited more positive views toward their abilities in mathematics and careers that involve mathematics, as compared to their views at the outset of the course. To ensure that chemistry mastery was not hindered by the additional emphasis on math, and that mastery on state end-of-course examinations reflected knowledge acquired during the math-intensive chemistry class, a chemistry progress test was administered at the start and end of the term. This exploratory study suggests that emphasizing mathematical approaches in chemistry may positively influence attitudes toward math in general, as well as foster mastery of chemistry content.

STEM and Career Exploratory Classes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chase, Darrell

2010-01-01

Districts face increasing pressure to improve students' mastery of curriculum in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Yet the number of students enrolling in science and math courses drops dramatically in middle and high school. At Sylvester Middle School, Chinook Middle School and Cascade Middle School of the…

A School Outside of School.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goben, Ronald D.

1967-01-01

At a day school in East Palo Alto, California, Negro preschool children attend classes which offer reading and mathematics instruction. The staff consists of volunteer teachers, most of whom are white and credentialed. The school's enrollment exceeds 200 pupils. Parents are encouraged to participate in the program, and when controversy over…

The Influence of Building Block Play on Mathematics Achievement and Logical and Divergent Thinking in Italian Primary School Mathematics Classes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pirrone, Concetta; Tienken, Christopher H.; Pagano, Tatiana; Di Nuovo, Santo

2018-01-01

In an experimental study to explain the effect of structured Building Block Play with LEGO™ bricks on 6-year-old student mathematics achievement and in the areas of logical thinking, divergent thinking, nonverbal reasoning, and mental imagery, students in the experimental group scored significantly higher (p = 0.05) in mathematics achievement and…

A Study on the Effect of Mathematics Teaching Provided through Drama on the Mathematics Ability of Six-Year-Old Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Erdogan, Serap; Baran, Gulen

2009-01-01

This study was conducted to examine the effect of mathematics teaching given through the drama method on the mathematical ability of six-year-old children. The research was conducted in Ankara on 105 children from the kindergarten classes of two different primary schools of the Ministry of National Education, which are at middle socio-economic…

Mathematics Dynamic Assessment: Informal Assessment that Responds to the Needs of Struggling Learners in Mathematics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Allsopp, David H.; Kyger, Maggie M.; Lovin, LouAnn; Gerretson, Helen; Carson, Katie L.; Ray, Sharon

2008-01-01

Ms. Carlisi teaches middle school mathematics for students who were retained at least 1 year and who were identified as at risk of failure in mathematics. About half of her class of 14 students has identified learning disabilities and/or emotional and behavioral difficulties. Ms. Carlisi worries constantly that she is not going to be able to help…

Case Study Projects for College Mathematics Courses Based on a Particular Function of Two Variables

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shi, Y.

2007-01-01

Based on a sequence of number pairs, a recent paper (Mauch, E. and Shi, Y., 2005, Using a sequence of number pairs as an example in teaching mathematics, "Mathematics and Computer Education," 39(3), 198-205) presented some interesting examples that can be used in teaching high school and college mathematics classes such as algebra, geometry,…

Physics and Mathematics as Interwoven Disciplines in Science Education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galili, Igal

2018-03-01

The relationship between physics and mathematics is reviewed upgrading the common in physics classes' perspective of mathematics as a toolkit for physics. The nature of the physics-mathematics relationship is considered along a certain historical path. The triadic hierarchical structure of discipline-culture helps to identify different ways in which mathematics is used in physics and to appreciate its contribution, to recognize the difference between mathematics and physics as disciplines in approaches, values, methods, and forms. We mentioned certain forms of mathematical knowledge important for physics but often missing in school curricula. The geometrical mode of codification of mathematical knowledge is compared with the analytical one in context of teaching school physics and mathematics; their complementarity is exemplified. Teaching may adopt the examples facilitating the claims of the study to reach science literacy and meaningful learning.

[Experimental Course in Elementary Number Theory, Cambridge Conference on School Mathematics Feasibility Study No. 35.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hatch, Mary Jacqueline

In the winter of 1965, an experimental course in Elementary Number Theory was presented to a 6th grade class in the Hosmer School, Watertown, Massachusetts. Prior to the introduction of the present material, students had been exposed in class to such topics from the University of Illinois Arithmetic Project as lattices, number lines, frame…

A Technology Leader's Role in Initiating a Flipped Classroom in a High School Math Class

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Caverly, Gregg

2017-01-01

A mixed methods study was conducted to measure the effectiveness of a flipped classroom in a high school discrete mathematics course. In the flipped classroom, students watched videos of the teacher's lesson for homework while completing problems during class. Two sections of the course were involved in the study, with one group receiving the…

High School Class for Gifted Pupils in Physics and Sciences and Pupils' Skills Measured by Standard and Pisa Test

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Djordjevic, G. S.; Pavlovic-Babic, D.

2010-01-01

The "High school class for students with special abilities in physics" was founded in Nis, Serbia (www.pmf.ni.ac.yu/f_odeljenje) in 2003. The basic aim of this project has been introducing a broadened curriculum of physics, mathematics, computer science, as well as chemistry and biology. Now, six years after establishing of this specialized class, and 3 years after the previous report, we present analyses of the pupils' skills in solving rather problem oriented test, as PISA test, and compare their results with the results of pupils who study under standard curricula. More precisely results are compared to the progress results of the pupils in a standard Grammar School and the corresponding classes of the Mathematical Gymnasiums in Nis. Analysis of achievement data should clarify what are benefits of introducing in school system track for gifted students. Additionally, item analysis helps in understanding and improvement of learning strategies' efficacy. We make some conclusions and remarks that may be useful for the future work that aims to increase pupils' intrinsic and instrumental motivation for physics and sciences, as well as to increase the efficacy of teaching physics and science.

Math Anxiety--Contributing School and Individual Level Factors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Radišic, Jelena; Videnovic, Marina; Baucal, Aleksander

2015-01-01

PISA 2003 survey data indicate high levels of mathematics anxiety among students in Serbia. More than a half of Serbian students are concerned with whether they will have difficulties in a mathematics class or earn poor marks. At the same time, the achievement on the mathematical literacy scale is very poor. Building on control-value theory, the…

A High School Mathematics Teacher Tacking through the Middle Way: Toward a Critical Postmodern Autoethnography in Mathematics Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wamsted, John Oliver

2013-01-01

The "urban" mathematics classroom has become an increasingly polarized site, one where many middle-class White teachers attempt to bridge the divide between themselves and their relatively economically disadvantaged, non-White students. With its mania for high-stakes testing, current education policy has intensified the importance of…

"New Directions for Traditional Lessons": Can Handheld Game Consoles Enhance Mental Mathematics Skills?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Main, Susan; O'Rourke, John

2011-01-01

This paper reports on a pilot study that compared the use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) handheld game consoles (HGCs) with traditional teaching methods to develop the automaticity of mathematical calculations and self-concept towards mathematics for year 4 students in two metropolitan schools. One class conducted daily sessions using the HGCs…

Building Connections between Sociomathematical Norms and Cognitive Demand to Improve the Quality of Whole Class Mathematics Conversations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williams, Lori

2010-01-01

Mathematical discussions support and promote student learning as an integral part of the contexts in which students learn mathematics. Yet, American school practices often focus on teachers disseminating knowledge to students and students acquiring that knowledge through rote rehearsal rather than higher order thinking. One barrier to change in…

Interactions between Language and Mathematics with Deaf Students: Defining the "Language-Mathematics" Equation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hillegeist, Eleanor; Epstein, Kenneth

The study examined the relationship between language and mathematics with 11 classes of deaf students taking Algebra 1 or Algebra 2 at the Gallaudet University School of Preparatory Studies. Specifically, the study attempted to predict the difficulty of a variety of relatively simple algebra problems based on the abstractness of the math and the…

The Autonomy to Choose--The Case of Ninth-Grade Mathematics Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lavy, Ilana; Zarfin, Orly

2013-01-01

In this study we explored the effects of providing ninth-grade students with the chance to take part in decision making concerning the mathematics level they would be assigned to in high school. Decisions concerned their self-competence regarding their mathematical abilities, their learning goals and the class atmosphere. The students were taught…

Using Instructional Activities Game to Promote Mathematics: Teachers' Innovative Instruction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Matsuda, Toshiki

2008-01-01

NIER (National Institute of Educational Research, 2004) survey revealed that the most common attitude of Japanese high school students to mathematics is that "it is not useful in daily life but must be learnt for entrance examinations". It was also clarified that only 3.2 percent of mathematics teachers use computers in their classes.…

Using a Before-During-After (BDA) Model to Plan Effective Secondary Mathematics Lessons

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilburne, Jane Murphy; Peterson, Winnie

2007-01-01

Creating effective mathematics lessons can be a challenge for any teacher. One approach to design an effective lesson is using a before-during-after (BDA) format. This article describes what a BDA format is and provides two examples of how it is implemented in high school mathematics classes. (Contains 2 tables and 5 figures.)

"A Bad Head for Maths"? Constructions of Educability and Mathematics in Adult Students' Narrative Life Histories

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Siivonen, Päivi

2013-01-01

The article focuses on the social differences of educability constructed in Finnish general upper secondary school adult graduates' narratives on mathematics. Social class, gender, and age intertwine in the narratives that express the adult students' worries about their ability and competence to study and learn mathematics. Social differences of…

Historical Research: How to Fit Minority and Women's Studies into Mathematics Class

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Saraco, Margaret R.

2008-01-01

This article presents a lesson for studying minority and women's contributions to the field of mathematics in the middle school classroom. This lesson may be able to stem the tide of the shrinking number of students entering the field of mathematics by helping them become interested in its history. Nonetheless, this project encourages students to…

Secondary School Students' Attitudes towards Mathematics Computer--Assisted Instruction Environment in Kenya

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mwei, Philip K.; Wando, Dave; Too, Jackson K.

2012-01-01

This paper reports the results of research conducted in six classes (Form IV) with 205 students with a sample of 94 respondents. Data represent students' statements that describe (a) the role of Mathematics teachers in a computer-assisted instruction (CAI) environment and (b) effectiveness of CAI in Mathematics instruction. The results indicated…

Visuospatial training improves elementary students' mathematics performance.

PubMed

Lowrie, Tom; Logan, Tracy; Ramful, Ajay

2017-06-01

Although spatial ability and mathematics performance are highly correlated, there is scant research on the extent to which spatial ability training can improve mathematics performance. This study evaluated the efficacy of a visuospatial intervention programme within classrooms to determine the effect on students' (1) spatial reasoning and (2) mathematics performance as a result of the intervention. The study involved grade six students (ages 10-12) in eight classes. There were five intervention classes (n = 120) and three non-intervention control classes (n = 66). A specifically designed 10-week spatial reasoning programme was developed collaboratively with the participating teachers, with the intervention replacing the standard mathematics curriculum. The five classroom teachers in the intervention programme presented 20 hr of activities aimed at enhancing students' spatial visualization, mental rotation, and spatial orientation skills. The spatial reasoning programme led to improvements in both spatial ability and mathematics performance relative to the control group who received standard mathematics instruction. Our study is the first to show that a classroom-based spatial reasoning intervention improves elementary school students' mathematics performance. © 2017 The British Psychological Society.

The Effect of Performance Assessment-Driven Instruction on the Attitude and Achievement of Senior High School Students in Mathematics in Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arhin, Ato Kwamina

2015-01-01

The study was a quasi-experimental research project conducted to investigate the effect of performance assessment-driven instructions on the attitude and achievement in mathematics of senior high school students in Ghana at Ghana National College in Cape Coast. Two Form 1 science classes were used for the study and were assigned as experimental…

Investigating the Influence of a Mixed Face-to-Face and Website Professional Development Course on the Inquiry-Based Conceptions of High School Science and Mathematics Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tuan, Hsiao-Lin; Yu, Chung-Chieh; Chin, Chi-Chin

2017-01-01

The purposes of this study are to report the influences of a mixed delivery professional development [PD] course involving face-to-face classes and the mentoring assisted inquiry-based teaching [MAIT] website that addressed the conceptual change and self-efficacy of high school mathematics and science teachers' conceptions of inquiry-based…

THE DROPOUTS DID COME BACK, A SPECIAL SUMMER GUIDANCE SCHOOL PROGRAM.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

HICKMAN, RALPH D.

A SPECIAL SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAM FOR 60 SELECTED HIGH SCHOOL DROPOUTS WAS CONDUCTED BY A COUNTY SCHOOLS OFFICE. A MAJOR PURPOSE WAS TO PREPARE THESE DROPOUTS, ATTITUDINALLY AND EDUCATIONALLY, TO REENTER A REGULAR SCHOOL PROGRAM. THE THREE COUNSELORS WERE ASSIGNED 20 STUDENTS EACH. THE STUDENTS WERE REQUIRED TO ATTEND DAILY CLASSES IN MATHEMATICS,…

Impacts of a University-School Partnership on Middle School Students' Fractional Knowledge: A Quasiexperimental Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aydin, Utkun; Tunç-Pekkan, Zelha; Taylan, Rukiye Didem; Birgili, Bengi; Özcan, Mustafa

2018-01-01

In this quasiexperimental study, the authors investigated the effects of university within school partnership model, within which faculty members acted as teacher-researchers to improve fractional knowledge among middle school (Grades 5-8) students. Students in nine Grade 6 mathematics classes from two public middle schools in Turkey were assigned…

Time allocated to mathematics in post-primary schools in Ireland: are we in double trouble?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Meara, Niamh; Prendergast, Mark

2018-05-01

Mathematics educators and legislators worldwide have begun placing a greater emphasis on teaching mathematics for understanding and through the use of real-life applications. Revised curricula have led to the time allocated to mathematics in effected countries being scrutinised. This has resulted in policy-makers and educationalists worldwide calling for the inclusion of double class periods on the mathematics timetable. Research from the United States suggests that the introduction of double or block periods allow for the objectives of revised curricula to be realized. The aim of this study, which is set in the school context, is first to ascertain if schools in Ireland are scheduling double periods for mathematics at both lower post-primary level (Junior Cycle) and upper post-primary level (Senior Cycle). It also seeks to determine if there is a link between teachers' levels of satisfaction with the time allocated to mathematics and the provision of double periods and to get insights from teachers in relation to their opinions on what can be achieved through the introduction of such classes. Questionnaires were sent to 400 post-primary schools (approximately 1600 teachers) which were selected using stratified sampling techniques. It was found that 8.7% of mathematics teachers reported the provision of double periods at Junior Cycle while 55% reported that double periods were included on their timetable at Senior Cycle. The study also identified a link between teachers' levels of satisfaction with the time allocated to mathematics and the provision of double periods. Finally, teachers felt that double periods allowed for new teaching methodologies, which were promoted by the revised curricula, to be implemented and teaching for understanding was also more feasible. In essence, it was found that double periods have an influence on the mathematical experience of post-primary students as well as the teaching approaches employed.

The Evaluation of Project SEED, 1990-91.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Webster, William J.; Chadbourn, Russell A.

Project Special Elementary Education for the Disadvantaged (SEED) is a national program in which professional mathematicians and scientists from universities and industry teach abstract, conceptually oriented mathematics to full-sized classes of elementary school children as a supplement to their regular mathematics instruction. In the Dallas…

Relative Age Effects in Mathematics and Reading: Investigating the Generalizability across Students, Time and Classes

PubMed Central

Thoren, Katharina; Heinig, Elisa; Brunner, Martin

2016-01-01

A child's age in comparison to the age of her or his classmates (relative age) has been found to be an influential factor on academic achievement, particularly but not exclusively at the beginning of formal schooling. However, few studies have focused on the generalizability of relative age effects. To close this gap, the present study analyzes the generalizability across students with and without immigrant backgrounds, across three student cohorts that entered school under a changing law of school enrollment, and across classes. To this end, we capitalized on representative large-scale data sets from three student cohorts attending public schools in Berlin, the capital of Germany. We analyzed the data using a multilevel framework. Our results for the overall student sample indicate relative age effects for reading and mathematics in favor of the relatively older students in Grade 2 that become somewhat smaller in size in Grade 3. By Grade 8, relative age effects had vanished in reading and had even reversed in favor of the relatively young in mathematics. Furthermore, relative age effects were not found to be systematically different among students with and without immigrant backgrounds, student cohorts, or across classes. Taken together, these results empirically underscore the broad generalizability of the findings as found for the overall student population and replicate the pattern of findings on relative effects as identified by the majority of previous studies. PMID:27242593

Single-gender mathematics and science classes and the effects on urban middle school boys and girls

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sudler, Dawn M.

This study compared the differences in the Criterion-Referenced Competency Test (CRCT) mathematics and science achievement scores of boys and girls in Grade 7 at two urban middle schools. The data allowed the researcher to determine to what degree boys and girls in Grade 7 differ in their mathematics and science achievements within a single-gender environment versus a coeducational learning environment. The study compared any differences between boys and girls in Grade 7 within a single-gender environment in the subjects of mathematics and science, as measured by the CRCT assessments. The study also compared differences between boys and girls in Grade 7 within a coeducational environment in the subjects of mathematics and science, as measured by the CRCT assessments. Two middle schools were used within the study. One middle school was identified as a single-gender school (Middle School A); the other was identified as a coeducational school (Middle School B). This quantitative study applied the use of a descriptive research design. In addition, CRCT scores for the subjects of mathematics and science were taken during the spring of 2008 from both middle schools. Data were measured using descriptive statistics and independent t test calculations. The frequency statistics proceeded to compare each sample performance levels. The data were described in means, standard deviations, standard error means, frequency, and percentages. This method provided an excellent description of a sample scored on the spring 2008 CRCT mathematics and science assessments.

Effects of Remedial Instruction on Low-SES & Low-Math Students' Mathematics Competence, Interest and Confidence

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yang, Der-Ching; Lai, Meng-Lung; Yao, Ru-Fen; Huang, Yueh-Chun

2014-01-01

This study aimed to examine the effects of remedial instruction on low-SES & low-math first graders' basic mathematics competence as well as their interest and confidence in mathematics learning. Fourteen participants of low-SES & low-math were selected from two classes totaling fifty-seven first graders at a public elementary school in…

Using a Sequence of Number Pairs as an Example in Teaching Mathematics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mauch, Elizabeth; Shi, Yixun

2005-01-01

A sequence of number pairs can be used to generate many interesting examples in teaching mathematics subjects at various levels. It is often used in elementary or middle school mathematics classes to illustrate the concept of "patterns." In this paper the authors present a few interesting ways of using this sequence to form examples for high…

Gender Differences in the Effects of a Utility-Value Intervention to Help Parents Motivate Adolescents in Mathematics and Science

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rozek, Christopher S.; Hyde, Janet S.; Svoboda, Ryan C.; Hulleman, Chris S.; Harackiewicz, Judith M.

2015-01-01

A foundation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education is critical for students' college and career advancement, but many U.S. students fail to take advanced mathematics and science classes in high school. Research has neglected the potential role of parents in enhancing students' motivation for pursuing STEM courses.…

"My math and me": Nursing students' previous experiences in learning mathematics.

PubMed

Røykenes, Kari

2016-01-01

In this paper, 11 narratives about former experiences in learning of mathematics written by nursing students are thematically analyzed. Most students had a positive relationship with the subject in primary school, when they found mathematics fun and were able to master the subject. For some, a change occurred in the transition to lower secondary school. The reasons for this change was found in the subject (increased difficulty), the teachers (movement of teachers, numerous substitute teachers), the class environment and size (many pupils, noise), and the student him- or herself (silent and anonymous pupil). This change was also found in the transition from lower to higher secondary school. By contrast, some students had experienced changes that were positive, and their mathematics teacher was a significant factor in this positive change. The paper emphasizes the importance of previous experiences in learning mathematics to nursing students when learning about drug calculation. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

A Comparison of the Effects of LOGO Use and Teacher-Directed Problem-Solving Instruction on the Problem-Solving Skills, Achievement, and Attitudes of Low, Average, and High Achieving Junior High School Learners.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dalton, David W.

This comparison of the effects of LOGO use with the use of teacher-directed problem-solving instruction, and with conventional mathematics instruction, focused on the problem-solving ability, basic skills achievement, and attitudes of junior high school learners. Students (N=97) in five seventh grade mathematics classes were systematically…

Neuromathematical Trichotomous Mixed Methods Analysis: Using the Neuroscientific Tri-Squared Test Statistical Metric as a Post Hoc Analytic to Determine North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics Leadership Efficacy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Osler, James Edward, II; Mason, Letita R.

2016-01-01

This study examines the leadership efficacy amongst graduates of The North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) for the classes of 2000 through 2007 from a neuroscientific and neuromathematic perspective. NCSSM alumni (as the primary unit of analysis) were examined using a novel neuromathematic post hoc method of analysis. This study…

DESIGNS FOR SMALL HIGH SCHOOLS.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

NIMNICHT, GLENDON P.; PARTRIDGE, ARTHUR R.

BY MULTIPLE-CLASS TEACHING AND FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING, SMALL HIGH SCHOOLS CAN OFFER EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS COMPARABLE TO THOSE OFFERED BY LARGE HIGH SCHOOLS. WITH ATTENTION TO FACILITY DESIGN, NOT ONLY CAN SCIENCE, MATHEMATICS, FOREIGN LANGUAGE, ART, BUSINESS, INDUSTRIAL ARTS, HOMEMAKING, ENGLISH, AND SOCIAL STUDIES BE OFFERED TO TWO OR MORE GROUPS OF…

An examination of single-gender and coeducational classes: Their impact on the academic achievement of middle school students enrolled in mathematics and science at selected schools in Georgia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elam, Jeanette H.

The purpose of this study was to compare the academic performance of students enrolled in coeducational instruction and single-gender instruction. Within this framework, the researcher examined class type, gender, and racial/ethnicity using the sixth grade CRCT scores of selected students in the areas of mathematics and science. The fifth-grade mathematics and science scores for the same population were used to control for prior knowledge. This study examined the academic achievement of students based on class type, gender, and racial/ethnicity in relation to academic achievement. The study included the CRCT scores for mathematics and science of 6th-grade students at the middle school level who were tested during the 2007--2008 school year. Many studies conducted in the past have stressed females performed better in mathematics and science, while others have stated males performed better in the same areas. Yet, other studies have found conflicting results. A large Australian study (1996), compared the academic performance of students at single-gender and coeducational schools. The conclusion of this study indicated that both males and females who were educated in single-gender classrooms scored significantly higher than did males and females in coeducational classes. A study conducted by Graham Able (2003) documented superior academic performance of students in single-gender schools, after controlling for socioeconomic class and other variables. Able's most significant finding was that the advantage of single-gender schooling was greater for males in terms of academic results than for females. This directly contradicted the educational myth that males performed better in classrooms if females were present. The sample in this study consisted of CRCT scores for 304 sixth-grade students from four different middle schools. Due to the racial composition of the sample, the study only focused on black and white students. School 1 and School 2 involved single-gender instruction while Schools 3 and School 4 involved coeducational instruction. A sample of eighty students was taken from each of the middle schools with single-gender instruction and a sample of 72 students was taken from each of the middle schools with coeducational instruction. Prior to conducting the study, an extensive application was filed with the local board of education to request permission to conduct research in the county. This process involved a detail description of the sample, sampling procedures, sample size, staff members, grade levels, and background information for the study. The major findings in this study indicated that the coeducational students outperformed the single-gender students and the white students outperformed the black students. This study confirmed that white coeducational students performed significantly higher than the black coeducational students. It was also documented through this study that there was no significant difference between the performance of the single-gender black students and the single-gender white students. In contrast to the Australian study (1996), this study indicated that the coeducational students were outperforming the single-gender students. In comparison to the 2003 study by Able, the findings of this study showed single-gender instruction was greater for females in terms of higher academic achievement than for males. INDEX WORDS. Coeducational, Single-gender, Middle school students

The Power of Choice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bray, Wendy S.

2009-01-01

Achieving equity in elementary school mathematics instruction involves meeting a diverse range of student learning needs that are inevitably present in mixed-ability classrooms. An instructional strategy that the author has found useful in working toward equity in mathematics class is to introduce opportunities for students to learn to make good…

Upgrading geometry conceptual understanding and strategic competence through implementing rigorous mathematical thinking (RMT)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nugraheni, Z.; Budiyono, B.; Slamet, I.

2018-03-01

To reach higher order thinking skill, needed to be mastered the conceptual understanding and strategic competence as they are two basic parts of high order thinking skill (HOTS). RMT is a unique realization of the cognitive conceptual construction approach based on Feurstein with his theory of Mediated Learning Experience (MLE) and Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory. This was quasi-experimental research which compared the experimental class that was given Rigorous Mathematical Thinking (RMT) as learning method and the control class that was given Direct Learning (DL) as the conventional learning activity. This study examined whether there was different effect of two learning model toward conceptual understanding and strategic competence of Junior High School Students. The data was analyzed by using Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) and obtained a significant difference between experimental and control class when considered jointly on the mathematics conceptual understanding and strategic competence (shown by Wilk’s Λ = 0.84). Further, by independent t-test is known that there was significant difference between two classes both on mathematical conceptual understanding and strategic competence. By this result is known that Rigorous Mathematical Thinking (RMT) had positive impact toward Mathematics conceptual understanding and strategic competence.

The Effectiveness of Practical Work in Lower Secondary School Mathematics: A Cultural Approach.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Triadafillidis, T. A.

1996-01-01

Discusses reasons why practical work is used only sporadically in lower secondary school math classes. Presents results of a comparative study between Greece and Scotland, focusing on culture as a differentiating factor of students' performance. (AIM)

From Exploratory Talk to Abstract Reasoning: A Case for Far Transfer?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Webb, Paul; Whitlow, J. W., Jr.; Venter, Danie

2017-01-01

Research has shown improvements in science, mathematics, and language scores when classroom discussion is employed in school-level science and mathematics classes. Studies have also shown statistically and practically significant gains in children's reasoning abilities as measured by the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices test when employing…

Mathematics in the Middle.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leutzinger, Larry, Ed.

This book contains articles that help to further the process of reform in the middle grades, recognizing that the knowledge acquired during these years greatly affects how well the secondary school curriculum will attain its goals. Critical issues facing middle grade classes in particular and all mathematics classrooms in general are discussed.…

Mathematics and Literature: An Approach to Success.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burnett, Sara Jane; Wichman, Ann Marie

This paper describes a program for minimizing students' inability to relate present day school mathematics to real-world experiences, including the high-tech communities around them. The targeted population consisted of second grade elementary students in a growing middle class community located in a suburb of a large metropolitan area in the…

Cookies and Pi

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dempsey, Michael

2009-01-01

If students are in an advanced mathematics class, then at some point they enjoyed mathematics and looked forward to learning and practicing it. There is no reason that this passion and enjoyment should ever be lost because the subject becomes more difficult or rigorous. This author, who teaches advanced precalculus to high school juniors,…

Opening the World of Mathematics: The Daily Math Discussion

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Donoahue, Zoe

2016-01-01

During the author's everyday math discussions with her class, young children talk about mathematical ideas, theories, and concepts within a predictable structure. These discussions include many concepts from--and beyond--the first-grade math curriculum, and their depth and complexity build throughout the school year. Concepts and skills include…

Emotion Regulation in Mathematics Homework: An Empirical Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Xu, Jianzhong

2018-01-01

The author examined 2 distinctive aspects of emotion regulation in mathematics homework, including emotion management and cognitive reappraisal. Participants were 1,799 high school students from 46 classes in China. Two multilevel models were run, 1 with emotion management and another with cognitive reappraisal as the dependent variable. Both…

Students’ Mathematical Creative Thinking through Problem Posing Learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ulfah, U.; Prabawanto, S.; Jupri, A.

2017-09-01

The research aims to investigate the differences in enhancement of students’ mathematical creative thinking ability of those who received problem posing approach assisted by manipulative media and students who received problem posing approach without manipulative media. This study was a quasi experimental research with non-equivalent control group design. Population of this research was third-grade students of a primary school in Bandung city in 2016/2017 academic year. Sample of this research was two classes as experiment class and control class. The instrument used is a test of mathematical creative thinking ability. Based on the results of the research, it is known that the enhancement of the students’ mathematical creative thinking ability of those who received problem posing approach with manipulative media aid is higher than the ability of those who received problem posing approach without manipulative media aid. Students who get learning problem posing learning accustomed in arranging mathematical sentence become matter of story so it can facilitate students to comprehend about story

WWC Review of the Report "The Impact of Indiana's System of Interim Assessments on Mathematics and Reading." What Works Clearinghouse Single Study Review

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

What Works Clearinghouse, 2015

2015-01-01

The study, "The Impact of Indiana's System of Interim Assessments on Mathematics and Reading," examined the effects of using Diagnostic Assessment Tools (DAT) on mathematics and reading outcomes for students in 59 Indiana schools during the 2009-10 academic year. DAT consists of interim assessment tools--Wireless Generation's mCLASS for…

The Use of Concrete Learning Objects Taken from the History of Mathematics in Mathematics Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bütüner, Suphi Önder

2016-01-01

This study aimed to reveal the effects of teaching with concrete learning objects taken from the history of mathematics on student achievement. Being a quasi-experimental study, it was conducted with two grade 8 classes in a secondary school located in Trabzon. The experimental group consisted of 27 students and the control group consisted of 25.…

Findings From the EASY Minds Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial: Evaluation of a Physical Activity Integration Program for Mathematics in Primary Schools.

PubMed

Riley, Nicholas; Lubans, David R; Holmes, Kathryn; Morgan, Philip J

2016-02-01

To evaluate the impact of a primary school-based physical activity (PA) integration program delivered by teachers on objectively measured PA and key educational outcomes. Ten classes from 8 Australian public schools were randomly allocated to treatment conditions. Teachers from the intervention group were taught to embed movement-based learning in their students' (n = 142) daily mathematics program in 3 lessons per week for 6 weeks. The control group (n = 98) continued its regular mathematics program. The primary outcome was accelerometer-determined PA across the school day. Linear mixed models were used to analyze treatment effects. Significant intervention effects were found for PA across the school day (adjusted mean difference 103 counts per minute [CPM], 95% confidence interval [CI], 36.5-169.7, P = .008). Intervention effects were also found for PA (168 CPM, 95% CI, 90.1-247.4, P = .008) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (2.6%, 95% CI, 0.9-4.4, P = .009) in mathematics lessons, sedentary time across the school day (-3.5%, 95% CI, -7.0 to -0.13, P = .044) and during mathematics (-8.2%, CI, -13.0 to -2.0, P = .010) and on-task behavior (13.8%, 95% CI, 4.0-23.6, P = .011)-but not for mathematics performance or attitude. Integrating movement across the primary mathematics syllabus is feasible and efficacious.

Anxiety (Low Ago Strength) And Intelligence Among Students Of High School Mathematics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naderi, Habibollah

2008-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between anxiety (low ago strength) and intelligence among student's mathematics. All the effects of anxiety were studied within the sample of 112 subjects (boys). 56 of them were regular of students (RS) and 56 were intelligent of students (IS) of high schools. Mean age was (17.1 years), SD (.454) and range age was 16-18 years in 3 classes of regular of high school mathematics was for regular students. For the IS, mean age was (16.75 years), SD (.436) and range age was l6-17 years in 4 classes of students exceptional talent for high school mathematics. The sampling method in this study was the simple randomization method. In this studied, for analysis of method used both descriptive and inference of research, which for description of analysis used Average and analysis of covariance and Variance, also for inference of analysis, used with t-test between two the groups of students. The Cattell of Anxiety Test (1958) (CTAT) has been used in a number of studies for measurement trait anxiety in Iran. In general, the findings were found not statistical significant between the RS and the IS of students in that factorial of low of ago strength (C-). Further research is needed to investigate whether the current findings hold for student populations by others anxiety tests.

Teacher Guidance of Algebraic Formula Building: Functional Grammatical Analysis of a Whole-Class Conversation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zolkower, Betina; Shreyar, Sam; Pérez, Silvia

2015-01-01

How does teacher-guided whole-class interaction contribute to expanding students' potential for making and exchanging mathematical meanings? We address this question through an interpretative analysis of a whole-group conversation in a sixth grade class taught by an experienced teacher in a school in Southern Argentina. The extended interaction…

Effects of Academic Coaching on Elementary and Secondary School Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kenny, Dianna T.; Faunce, Gavin

2004-01-01

The authors assessed the effects of out-of-school hours academic coaching on students' (at academic performance on end-of-year examinations in English, mathematics, and science; (b) attainment of academic scholarships; and (c) acceptance to Gifted and Talented (GT) classes and selective high schools. Participants were 1,724 elementary and…

Students' and teachers' perceptions of single-sex and mixed-sex mathematics classes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rennie, Léonie J.; Parker, Lesley H.

1997-11-01

This study examines students' perceptions of the learning settings in single-sex and mixed-sex mathematics classes, and teachers' responses to those different classroom contexts. Nearly 300 students in four coeducational secondary schools gave their views of the nature of their participation and interaction in their mathematics classrooms, and data were also obtained from their teachers. There was congruence between students' and teachers' perceptions of the environment in the two kinds of classrooms. Overall, it was perceived that single-sex classrooms provided a more supportive environment for girls, but a rather less supportive environment for boys. Teachers used different strategies with the two kinds of classes and, although many experienced initial difficulty with unruly boys' classes, these problems were overcome. The single-sex environment provided opportunities for teachers to address apparent shortcomings arising from boys' and girls' previous educational experience, which resulted in improved attitudes and performance.

Contextual approach using VBA learning media to improve students’ mathematical displacement and disposition ability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chotimah, Siti; Bernard, M.; Wulandari, S. M.

2018-01-01

The main problems of the research were the lack of reasoning ability and mathematical disposition of students to the learning of mathematics in high school students in Cimahi - West Java. The lack of mathematical reasoning ability in students was caused by the process of learning. The teachers did not train the students to do the problems of reasoning ability. The students still depended on each other. Sometimes, one of patience teacher was still guiding his students. In addition, the basic ability aspects of students also affected the ability the mathematics skill. Furthermore, the learning process with contextual approach aided by VBA Learning Media (Visual Basic Application for Excel) gave the positive influence to the students’ mathematical disposition. The students are directly involved in learning process. The population of the study was all of the high school students in Cimahi. The samples were the students of SMA Negeri 4 Cimahi class XIA and XIB. There were both of tested and non-tested instruments. The test instrument was a description test of mathematical reasoning ability. The non-test instruments were questionnaire-scale attitudes about students’ mathematical dispositions. This instrument was used to obtain data about students’ mathematical reasoning and disposition of mathematics learning with contextual approach supported by VBA (Visual Basic Application for Excel) and by conventional learning. The data processed in this study was from the post-test score. These scores appeared from both of the experimental class group and the control class group. Then, performing data was processed by using SPSS 22 and Microsoft Excel. The data was analyzed using t-test statistic. The final result of this study concluded the achievement and improvement of reasoning ability and mathematical disposition of students whose learning with contextual approach supported by learning media of VBA (Visual Basic Application for Excel) was better than students who got conventional learning.

The Nation's Report Card[TM]: America's High School Graduates. Results of the 2009 NAEP High School Transcript Study. NCES 2011-462

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nord, C.; Roey, S.; Perkins, R.; Lyons, M.; Lemanski, N.; Brown, J.; Schuknecht, J.

2011-01-01

This report presents information about the types of courses that high school graduates in the class of 2009 took during high school, how many credits they earned, and the grades they received. Information on the relationships between high school coursetaking records and performance in mathematics and science on the National Assessment of…

The role of students' activities in Indonesian realistic mathematics education in primary schools of Aceh

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zubainur, Cut Morina; Veloo, Arsaythamby; Khalid, Rozalina

2015-05-01

This study aims to explore the implementation of the Indonesian Realistic Mathematics Education (PMRI) in Aceh primary schools, Indonesia. This study investigates the students' mathematics activities involved in the implementation of PMRI and for this purpose; students' mathematics activities in the classroom were observed. Students were observed three times within five weeks during mathematics class, based on PMRI. A total of 25 year five students from a public school participated in this study. Observation check list was used in this study based on ten items. The observation conducted was based on two different time periods which were 105 minutes for group A and 70 minutes for group B. The observation was conducted every 5 minutes. The results show that PMRI is being practised in Aceh, but not completely. This study shows that mathematics activities for those who were taught using PMRI are higher than for those using the traditional approach. Overall, the findings showed that the number of student activities undertaken in PMRI achieved 90.56%. The higher percentage of activities suggests that the Aceh Education Office expands the implementation of PMRI in all primary schools so that learning of mathematics is more effective. This indirectly increases the mathematics achievement of students in Aceh to a higher level on par with Indonesia's national achievement.

An Intergroup Perspective on Group Dynamics.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-10-01

students and faculty. Abstract generalizations and concrete applications about the material become part of the cognitive formations that student and faculty...grade mathematics class in a Japanese Junior high school . A 13-year-old girl is called upon and is unable to answer a question. The Times reporter...then fell silent. Finally the teacher allowed her to sit down. In an American school , the student would probably have been placed in a slower class

Integrating Rapid Prototyping into Graphic Communications

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Xu, Renmei; Flowers, Jim

2015-01-01

Integrating different science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) areas can help students learn and leverage both the equipment and expertise at a single school. In comparing graphic communications classes with classes that involve rapid prototyping (RP) technologies like 3D printing, there are sufficient similarities between goals,…

The Evaluation of Project SEED, 1989-90.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Webster, William J.; Chadbourn, Russell A.

Project Special Elementary Education for the Disadvantaged (Project SEED) is a nationwide program in which mathematicians and scientists from academia and industry teach abstract, conceptually oriented mathematics to full-sized classes of elementary school students as a supplement to their regular arithmetic classes. A Socratic group-discovery…

Shrinking Your Class

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Herron-Thorpe, Farren L.; Olson, Jo Clay; Davis, Denny

2010-01-01

Toys in the classroom was the result of a National Science Foundation grant that brought two engineering graduate students to a middle school math class. The graduate students and teachers collaborated in an effort to enhance students' mathematical learning. An engineering context was theorized as a way to further develop students' understanding…

Music Activities as a Meaningful Context for Teaching Elementary Students Mathematics: A Quasi-Experiment Time Series Design with Random Assigned Control Group

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

An, Song A.; Tillman, Daniel A.

2015-01-01

The purpose of the current research was to examine the effects of a sequence of classroom activities that integrated mathematics content with music elements aimed at providing teachers an alternative approach for teaching mathematics. Two classes of third grade students (n = 56) from an elementary school in the west coast of the United States…

The Effects of White Boards on Student Achievement in Fourth Grade Mathematics as Measures on the Palmetto Achievement Test (PACT) at Selected Schools in North Central South Carolina

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Campbell, Tanya Lighty

2010-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the use of interactive Whiteboard technology in mathematics class could improve student achievement as measured by scores achieved on the South Carolina State Palmetto Achievement Test (PACT). The study examined fourth grade mathematics achievement test scores for students whose teachers used…

Smart Girls, Black Girls, Mean Girls, and Bullies: At the Intersection of Identities and the Mediating Role of Young Girls' Social Network in Mathematical Communities of Practice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gholson, Maisie; Martin, Danny B.

2014-01-01

By taking an intersectional and emic view to studying a group of African American girls in a third-grade class, we attempted to capture the complexity of mathematics learning for these girls. Traditionally, children's social networks in school are framed as external to mathematics content learning. Our preliminary analyses of student interviews…

Mathematical Modeling with MyMaps and Spreadsheets

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weber, Victoria; Fortune, Nicholas; Williams, Derek; Whitehead, Ashley

2016-01-01

Software programs such as Tinkerplots ® or Geometer's Sketchpad ® can help students solve problems in mathematics classes, but may not be available to them after high school. In contrast, many students who become familiar with Internet tools and programs in office packages (word processing, spreadsheets, etc.) may use them daily to enhance their…

Effects of Reading Picture Books on Kindergartners' Mathematics Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van den Heuvel-Panhuizen, Marja; Elia, Iliada; Robitzsch, Alexander

2016-01-01

This article describes a field experiment with a pretest-posttest control group design which investigated the potential of reading picture books to children for supporting their mathematical understanding. The study involved 384 children from 18 kindergarten classes in 18 schools in the Netherlands. During three months, the children in the nine…

How Students' Everyday Situations Modify Classroom Mathematical Activity: The Case of Water Consumption

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tomaz, Vanessa Sena; David, Maria Manuela

2015-01-01

Our aim is to discuss how school mathematical activity is modified when students' everyday situations are brought into the classroom. One illustrative sequence--7th grade classes solving problems that required proportional reasoning--is characterized as a system of interconnected activities within the theoretical perspective of activity theory. We…

Predicting Success for Actuarial Students in Undergraduate Mathematics Courses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Richard Manning; Schumacher, Phyllis A.

2005-01-01

A study of undergraduate actuarial graduates found that math SAT scores, verbal SAT scores, percentile rank in high school graduating class, and percentage score on a college mathematics placement exam had some relevance to forecasting the students' grade point averages in their major. For both males and females, percentile rank in high school…

The Psychosocial Experience of High School Girls Highly Susceptible to Stereotype Threat: A Phenomenological Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Picho, Katherine

2016-01-01

The author used phenomenology to explore the subjective experience of ninth-grade girls susceptible to mathematics-related stereotype threat in their authentic learning environments. The sample constituted students categorized as either having low or high susceptibility to stereotype threat (SST) enrolled in Honors mathematics classes at an urban…

Predicting Girls' Learning Behaviour in Secondary School Mathematics Lessons from Motivational and Learning Environment Factors.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Norwich, Brahm

1994-01-01

Reports on a study of 70 secondary female students in mathematics classes over a period of 7 weeks. Finds that self-efficacy was the best predictor of learning intentions. Recommends further research on the relationships between perceived learning environment, self-efficacy, and learning intentions. (CFR)

Teacher Approval and Disapproval by Ability Grouping.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heller, Marc Stephen

This study investigated teachers' use of verbal approval and disapproval as a function of subject matter (mathematics, social studies) and class ability; the use of these behaviors in instructional versus managerial contexts was studied. Five mathematics and five social studies teachers in an inner-city junior high school were observed for 6…

Teachers mathematical communication profile in explaining subject matter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Umami, Rohmatul; Budayasa, I. Ketut; Suwarsono, St.

2017-12-01

This study aimed to see a teachers mathematical communication profile in explaining a subject matter. It is a qualitative research. A high-school junior teacher (i.e., a teacher with 1- to 5-year experience) teaching mathematics at X-Social Class was selected as the subject of this study. The data was collected by observing the teachers mathematical communication in explaining a given material (i.e., the rule of sine) in class and an in-depth interview would be organized respectively. The result showed that the junior teacher explained the subject matter in systematic, complete, fluent, and centered manner. In this case, she began with reminding students on the previous material related to the current material to be learned, informing the current learning objectives, and finally delivering the subject matter. To support her explanation, the teacher also provided some related information, led the students attention into the given material by asking them particular related questions, and did not use any confusing terms. However, the study found that some of high-school teachers still used less appropriate language in explaining materials.

Adolescents’ Functional Numeracy Is Predicted by Their School Entry Number System Knowledge

PubMed Central

Geary, David C.; Hoard, Mary K.; Nugent, Lara; Bailey, Drew H.

2013-01-01

One in five adults in the United States is functionally innumerate; they do not possess the mathematical competencies needed for many modern jobs. We administered functional numeracy measures used in studies of young adults’ employability and wages to 180 thirteen-year-olds. The adolescents began the study in kindergarten and participated in multiple assessments of intelligence, working memory, mathematical cognition, achievement, and in-class attentive behavior. Their number system knowledge at the beginning of first grade was defined by measures that assessed knowledge of the systematic relations among Arabic numerals and skill at using this knowledge to solve arithmetic problems. Early number system knowledge predicted functional numeracy more than six years later (ß = 0.195, p = .0014) controlling for intelligence, working memory, in-class attentive behavior, mathematical achievement, demographic and other factors, but skill at using counting procedures to solve arithmetic problems did not. In all, we identified specific beginning of schooling numerical knowledge that contributes to individual differences in adolescents’ functional numeracy and demonstrated that performance on mathematical achievement tests underestimates the importance of this early knowledge. PMID:23382934

Is It Possible to Improve Mathematical Achievement by Means of Self-Regulation Strategies? Evaluation of an Intervention in Regular Math Classes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Perels, Franziska; Dignath, Charlotte; Schmitz, Bernhard

2009-01-01

After the effectiveness of self-regulation training outside school was demonstrated, a self-regulation intervention was developed to foster the learning achievement in regular math classes. Based on the theoretical framework of self-regulated learning, self-regulation training was integrated into a math class unit. The evaluation of the…

The Effectiveness of School-Type Classes Compared to the Traditional Lecture/Tutorial Method for Teaching Quantitative Methods to Business Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goldfinch, Judy

1996-01-01

A study compared the effectiveness of two methods (medium-size class instruction and large lectures with tutorial sessions) for teaching mathematics and statistics to first-year business students. Students and teachers overwhelmingly preferred the medium-size class method, which produced higher exam scores but had no significant effect on…

Reading, Writing, … and Arithmetic?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sussman, Dan

2017-01-01

How can the best of mathematical problem-based learning be applied toward literature classes? Daniel Sussman, an English teacher at Moorestown Friends School in New Jersey, discusses how he uses problem solving tactics to encourage close, critical reading of fiction texts in his Jewish literature and poetry classes. He explores the challenges of…

Pulling out All the Stops

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sezer, Renan

2010-01-01

This article discusses how an active learning environment was created in a community college class and a high school mathematics class using the same approach. In both settings the NCTM and AMATYC Standards, such as problem solving, communication, use of technology and alternate assessment, were fully embraced. The goal was to have students take…

South Shore High School. Project VIBES. O.E.E. Evaluation Report, 1981-1982.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shore, Rima; And Others

In 1981-82, Project VIBES at South Shore High School in Brooklyn, New York, provided instruction in English as a second language (ESL) and French language arts, and bilingual mathematics, social studies, and science for Haitian high school students of limited English proficiency. The project also conducted classes in ESL, Hebrew, and Spanish…

ARO in Review 2012

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-01

promotes original research and experimentation in the sciences, engineering, and mathematics at the high school level and publicly recognizes students ...in programs that offered enrichment classes in engineering at universities through the UNITE program. 1,614 middle and high school students ...Research and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (REAP) REAP is designed to offer high school students the opportunity to expand their background and

[Results of national evaluation tests (primary schools) of CE2 and 6th classes of 73 students with congenital hypothyroidism screened at birth].

PubMed

Toublanc, J E; Riblier, E; Rives, S

1998-03-01

Assessment of school performance provides an excellent index of adequacy of therapy of congenital hypothyroidism. Scholarly achievement of 73 children with congenital hypothyroidism screened and followed-up in our clinic was evaluated by comparison to national tests calculated from a wide random sample. The 73 children were divided into three groups: 31 patients belonging to the CE2 class (third primary school class) (group 1); 13 patients belonging to the 6th class (first secondary school class) having already passed CE2 tests (group 2); and 16 patients also belonging to the 6th class but not having passed CE2 tests (group 3). The youngest patients showed better results in French than national means, with similar results in mathematics. The intermediate aged patients showed comparable scores to the national mean in both tests. The oldest patients showed significantly less achievement in mathematics, and somewhat (but not markedly) less achievement in French. Etiology of hypothyroidism did not seem to be a prognostic factor, with the athyreotic patients having better results in CE2 than ectopic ones. Age at onset of treatment and the duration of treatment before normalization of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) seemed to represent the main prognostic factors as does compliance to treatment, which depends on socioeconomic levels of families. Encouraging results are now obtained in those patients who have been screened in the neonatal period and treated very early. Compliance to the treatment remains an important factor of prognosis.

School physics teacher class management, laboratory practice, student engagement, critical thinking, cooperative learning and use of simulations effects on student performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riaz, Muhammad

The purpose of this study was to examine how simulations in physics class, class management, laboratory practice, student engagement, critical thinking, cooperative learning, and use of simulations predicted the percentage of students achieving a grade point average of B or higher and their academic performance as reported by teachers in secondary school physics classes. The target population consisted of secondary school physics teachers who were members of Science Technology, Engineeering and,Mathematics Teachers of New York City (STEMteachersNYC) and American Modeling Teachers Association (AMTA). They used simulations in their physics classes in the 2013 and 2014 school years. Subjects for this study were volunteers. A survey was constructed based on a literature review. Eighty-two physics teachers completed the survey about instructional practice in physics. All respondents were anonymous. Classroom management was the only predictor of the percent of students achieving a grade point average of B or higher in high school physics class. Cooperative learning, use of simulations, and student engagement were predictors of teacher's views of student academic performance in high school physics class. All other variables -- class management, laboratory practice, critical thinking, and teacher self-efficacy -- were not predictors of teacher's views of student academic performance in high school physics class. The implications of these findings were discussed and recommendations for physics teachers to improve student learning were presented.

Effect of School Electrification on Learning Outcomes: A Subnational Level Analysis of Students' Pass Rate in English and Mathematics in Ghana

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Adamba, Clement

2018-01-01

The paper used district level students' pass rate in a nationally conducted basic education certification examination to assess the effect of school electrification on learning outcomes. The results show that school electrification in addition to the traditional school-level inputs, such as class size, pupil-teacher ratio, ratio of core textbook…

Influence of Gender Streamed (Boys' and Girls' Only) Classes on Coeducational Secondary Schools' Mathematics Teachers Perceptions in Nakuru, Uasingishu, Kericho and Baringo Counties of Kenya

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barmao, Anne C.; Changeiywo, Johnson M.; Githua, Bernard N.

2015-01-01

The skills acquired in mathematics provide a country with a human resource that is highly educated and able to tackle most of the country's social economic problems. However, the performance of students at the KCSE mathematics examinations in Kenya has been dismal for many years. In addition, majority of the girls in particular have been…

Inclusive Practices in the Teaching of Mathematics: Supporting the Work of Effective Primary Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clarke, Barbara; Faragher, Rhonda

2015-01-01

The practices of effective primary school teachers including students with Down syndrome in their mathematics classes are largely unexplored and many teachers feel unprepared to teach students with intellectual disabilities. A study with cohorts in Victoria and the ACT is underway and here we report a subset of findings concerning the support…

Teaching Methods for Modelling Problems and Students' Task-Specific Enjoyment, Value, Interest and Self-Efficacy Expectations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schukajlow, Stanislaw; Leiss, Dominik; Pekrun, Reinhard; Blum, Werner; Muller, Marcel; Messner, Rudolf

2012-01-01

In this study which was part of the DISUM-project, 224 ninth graders from 14 German classes from middle track schools (Realschule) were asked about their enjoyment, interest, value and self-efficacy expectations concerning three types of mathematical problems: intra-mathematical problems, word problems and modelling problems. Enjoyment, interest,…

One Step on a New Journey

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arwani, Salima Shahzad

2011-01-01

During Mathematics Teaching Course-I (MT-I), the author was given the opportunity to teach a primary mathematics class at a Government school in Karachi, Pakistan while on teaching practice. The author was lucky to be able to share the lesson planning with a friend, and they found the sharing of ideas a supportive process. The focus of the lesson…

The Tacit-Explicit Dimension of the Learning of Mathematics: An Investigation Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Frade, Cristina; Borges, Oto

2006-01-01

This paper reports on study that investigated the tacit-explicit dimension of the learning of mathematics. The study was carried out in a secondary school and consisted of an episode analysis related to a class discussion about the difference between plane figures and spatial figures. The data analysis was based on integration between some aspects…

10 Good Reasons to Mentor a Student Teacher: Advantages for Supervising Mathematics Teachers and Their Classes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cavanagh, Michael; Prescott, Anne

2011-01-01

The authors have been conducting research with early career secondary mathematics teachers in metropolitan Sydney, focusing particularly on the professional experiences of student teachers. As part of the research, 12 supervising teachers were visited at their schools. Seven of them were interviewed individually about their role in developing the…

A Comparison of General Diagnostic Models (GDM) and Bayesian Networks Using a Middle School Mathematics Test

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wu, Haiyan

2013-01-01

General diagnostic models (GDMs) and Bayesian networks are mathematical frameworks that cover a wide variety of psychometric models. Both extend latent class models, and while GDMs also extend item response theory (IRT) models, Bayesian networks can be parameterized using discretized IRT. The purpose of this study is to examine similarities and…

How Do Student and Classroom Characteristics Affect Attitude toward Mathematics? A Multivariate Multilevel Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kiwanuka, Henry Nsubuga; Van Damme, Jan; Van Den Noortgate, Wim; Anumendem, Dickson Nkafu; Vanlaar, Gudrun; Reynolds, Chandra; Namusisi, Speranza

2017-01-01

This study investigated the effects of student and classroom characteristics on math self-confidence, perceived usefulness, and enjoyment of mathematics as multiple outcomes. A sample of 7th-grade students from 78 classes of 49 schools was studied. The data were collected using, among other instruments, an attitude questionnaire. The results of…

Comparison effectiveness of cooperative learning type STAD with cooperative learning type TPS in terms of mathematical method of Junior High School students

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wahyuni, A.

2018-05-01

This research is aimed to find out whether the model of cooperative learning type Student Team Achievement Division (STAD) is more effective than cooperative learning type Think-Pair-Share in SMP Negeri 7 Yogyakarta. This research was a quasi-experimental research, using two experimental groups. The population of research was all students of 7thclass in SMP Negeri 7 Yogyakarta that consists of 5 Classes. From the population were taken 2 classes randomly which used as sample. The instrument to collect data was a description test. Measurement of instrument validity use content validity and construct validity, while measuring instrument reliability use Cronbach Alpha formula. To investigate the effectiveness of cooperative learning type STAD and cooperative learning type TPS on the aspect of student’s mathematical method, the datas were analyzed by one sample test. Comparing the effectiveness of cooperative learning type STAD and TPS in terms of mathematical communication skills by using t-test. Normality test was not conducted because the sample of research more than 30 students, while homogeneity tested by using Kolmogorov Smirnov test. The analysis was performed at 5% confidence level.The results show as follows : 1) The model of cooperative learning type STAD and TPS are effective in terms of mathematical method of junior high school students. 2). STAD type cooperative learning model is more effective than TPS type cooperative learning model in terms of mathematical methods of junior high school students.

Psychosocial Environment and Student Self-Handicapping in Secondary School Mathematics Classes: A Cross-National Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dorman, Jeffrey P.; Adams, Joan E.; Ferguson, Janet M.

2002-01-01

Presents an investigation of the relationship between classroom environment and self-handicapping in Australian, Canadian, and British secondary schools. Explores student perceptions of classroom environment, self-handicapping, and academic efficacy. Reports that classroom environment scales accounted for variance in self-handicapping beyond what…

Language Use in Classrooms in Western Samoan Schools.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lo Bianco, Joseph; Liddicoat, Anthony

1991-01-01

To inform discussions of revising the curriculum of junior secondary schools in Western Samoa, a series of structured observations of classrooms was conducted. Data from 145 classes, covering Business/Commercial Studies, English Home Economics, Manual Arts, Mathematics, Samoan Studies, Science and Social Science, were analyzed. With the exception…

Analysis of creative mathematic thinking ability in problem based learning model based on self-regulation learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Munahefi, D. N.; Waluya, S. B.; Rochmad

2018-03-01

The purpose of this research identified the effectiveness of Problem Based Learning (PBL) models based on Self Regulation Leaning (SRL) on the ability of mathematical creative thinking and analyzed the ability of mathematical creative thinking of high school students in solving mathematical problems. The population of this study was students of grade X SMA N 3 Klaten. The research method used in this research was sequential explanatory. Quantitative stages with simple random sampling technique, where two classes were selected randomly as experimental class was taught with the PBL model based on SRL and control class was taught with expository model. The selection of samples at the qualitative stage was non-probability sampling technique in which each selected 3 students were high, medium, and low academic levels. PBL model with SRL approach effectived to students’ mathematical creative thinking ability. The ability of mathematical creative thinking of low academic level students with PBL model approach of SRL were achieving the aspect of fluency and flexibility. Students of academic level were achieving fluency and flexibility aspects well. But the originality of students at the academic level was not yet well structured. Students of high academic level could reach the aspect of originality.

Modeling Physical Systems Using Vensim PLE Systems Dynamics Software

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Widmark, Stephen

2012-01-01

Many physical systems are described by time-dependent differential equations or systems of such equations. This makes it difficult for students in an introductory physics class to solve many real-world problems since these students typically have little or no experience with this kind of mathematics. In my high school physics classes, I address…

Single-Sex Classes in a Coeducational High School Highlighting Parents' Perspectives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leder, Gilah C.; Forgasz, Helen J.

1997-11-01

A program of single-sex mathematics classes at one coeducational high school was evaluated in 1993 and again three years later in 1996. On both occasions, data were gathered from students, teachers and parents. While also drawing on findings from students and teachers, the focus of this article is on parents' perceptions. In both years more parents supported the program than were opposed to. it. However, support appeared to have waned over the three-year period. The influence of factors both inside and outside the classroom and the school which may partially help to account for the findings are discussed.

Astronomy and Mathematics Education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ros, Rosa M.

There are many European countries where Astronomy does not appear as a specific course on the secondary school. In these cases Astronomy content can be introduced by means of other subjects. There are some astronomical topics within the subject of Physics but this talk concerns introducing Astronomy in Mathematics classes. Teaching Astronomy through Mathematics would result in more exposure than through Physics as Mathematics is more prevalent in the curriculum. Generally it is not easy to motivate students in Mathematics but they are motivated to find out more about the universe and Astronomy current events than appears in the media. This situation can be an excellent introduction to several mathematics topics. The teachers in secondary and high school can use this idea in order to present more attractive mathematics courses. In particular some different examples will be offered regarding * Angles and spherical coordinates considering star traces * Logarithms and visual magnitudes * Plane trigonometry related orbital movements * Spherical trigonometry in connection with ecliptic obliquity * Conic curves related to sundial at several latitudes Some students do not enjoy studying Mathematics but they can be attracted by practical situations using Applied Mathematics: Astronomy is always very attractive to teenagers.

Teaching Guide and Problem Supplement. A Publication of the Exemplary Project Problem Solving Computer Style 1969-1970.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

New Orleans Public Schools, LA.

Secondary school teachers incorporating the use of a computer in algebra, trigonometry, advanced mathematics, chemistry, or physics classes are the individuals for whom this book is intended. The content included in it is designed to aid the learning of programing techniques and basic scientific or mathematical principles, and to offer some…

"Geomat.dk": Historical Instruments of Navigation--Used as Educational Tools in Mathematics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jakobsen, Ivan Tafteberg; Matthiasen, Jesper

2016-01-01

This paper gives a short description of the scope and content of an educational project. The approach is to use historical navigational devices, such as sextants and cross staffs, to teach mathematics in secondary schools. By making collections of these devices available to teachers and bringing them into the class room a new approach to combine…

The Mathematical and Science Skills of Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Educated in Inclusive Settings

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vosganoff, Diane; Paatsch, Louise E.; Toe, Dianne M.

2011-01-01

This study examined the science and mathematics achievements of 16 Year 9 students with hearing loss in an inclusive high-school setting in Western Australia. Results from the Monitoring Standards in Education (MSE) compulsory state tests were compared with state and class averages for students with normal hearing. Data were collected from three…

Deictics and the Construction of Mathematics and Science Knowledge in the Secondary School Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hansen-Thomas, Holly; Langman, Juliet

2017-01-01

Taking a Teacher Language Awareness (TLA) perspective, this paper examines how the concept of deixis is employed in oral discourse in two secondary science and mathematics classes in the southwestern part of the US. Drawing on audio and videotaped data from two classrooms, we examine how verbal deixis, or words and phrases that cannot be fully…

Space biology class as part of science education programs for high schools in Japan.

PubMed

Kamada, Motoshi; Takaoki, Muneo

2004-11-01

Declining incentives and scholastic abilities in science class has been concerned in Japan. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology encourages schools to cooperate with research institutions to raise student's interest in natural sciences. The Science Partnership Program (SPP) and the Super Science High-School (SSH) are among such efforts. Our short SPP course consists of an introductory lecture on space biology in general and a brief laboratory practice on plant gravitropism. Space biology class is popular to students, despite of the absence of flight experiments. We suppose that students are delighted when they find that their own knowledge is not a mere theory, but has very practical applications. Space biology is suitable in science class, since it synthesizes mathematics, physics, chemistry and many other subjects that students might think uninteresting.

Rationale and study protocol of the EASY Minds (Encouraging Activity to Stimulate Young Minds) program: cluster randomized controlled trial of a primary school-based physical activity integration program for mathematics.

PubMed

Riley, Nicholas; Lubans, David R; Holmes, Kathryn; Morgan, Philip J

2014-08-08

Novel strategies are required to increase school-based physical activity levels of children. Integrating physical activity in mathematics lessons may lead to improvements in students' physical activity levels as well as enjoyment, engagement and learning. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of a curriculum-based physical activity integration program known as EASY Minds (Encouraging Activity to Stimulate Young Minds) on children's daily school time physical activity levels. Secondary aims include exploring the impact of EASY Minds on their engagement and 'on task' behaviour in mathematics. Grade 5/6 classes from eight public schools in New South Wales, Australia will be randomly allocated to intervention (n = 4) or control (n = 4) groups. Teachers from the intervention group will receive one day of professional development, a resource pack and asked to adapt their lessons to embed movement-based learning in their daily mathematics program in at least three lessons per week over a six week period. Intervention support will be provided via a weekly email and three lesson observations. The primary outcomes will be children's physical activity levels (accelerometry) across both the school day and during mathematics lessons (moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and sedentary time). Children's 'on-task' behaviour, enjoyment of mathematics and mathematics attainment will be assessed as secondary outcomes. A detailed process evaluation will be undertaken. EASY Minds is an innovative intervention that has the potential to improve key physical and academic outcomes for primary school aged children and help guide policy and practice regarding the teaching of mathematics. Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register ACTRN12613000637741 13/05/2013.

Robots Bring Math-Powered Ideas to Life

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Allen, Kasi C.

2013-01-01

What if every middle school student learned to create a robot in math class? What if every middle school had a robotics team? Would students view mathematics differently? Would they have a different relationship with technology? Might they see science and engineering as fields driven by innovation rather than memorization? As students find…

Catching Up on Algebra

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cavanagh, Sean

2008-01-01

A popular humorist and avowed mathphobe once declared that in real life, there's no such thing as algebra. Kathie Wilson knows better. Most of the students in her 8th grade class will be thrust into algebra, the definitive course that heralds the beginning of high school mathematics, next school year. The problem: Many of them are about three…

Understanding Linear Functions and Their Representations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wells, Pamela J.

2015-01-01

Linear functions are an important part of the middle school mathematics curriculum. Students in the middle grades gain fluency by working with linear functions in a variety of representations (NCTM 2001). Presented in this article is an activity that was used with five eighth-grade classes at three different schools. The activity contains 15 cards…

Assessing CLIL at Primary School: A Longitudinal Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Serra, Cecilia

2007-01-01

This paper presents aspects of a longitudinal study assessing integrative bilingual learning based on Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), implemented in three Swiss primary schools. From Grades 1 to 6, three classes of German-speaking pupils were taught 50% of the curriculum, notably mathematics, in Italian or in Romansh as a second…

Effects of Interim Assessments on Student Achievement: Evidence from a Large-Scale Experiment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Konstantopoulos, Spyros; Miller, Shazia R.; van der Ploeg, Arie; Li, Wei

2016-01-01

We use data from a large-scale, school-level randomized experiment conducted in 2010-2011 in public schools in Indiana. Our sample includes more than 30,000 students in 70 schools. We examine the impact of two interim assessment programs (i.e., mCLASS in Grades K-2 and Acuity in Grades 3--8) on mathematics and reading achievement. Two-level models…

High School Students' Mathematical Problem Posing: An Exploratory Study in the Classroom.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Borba, Marcelo C.

This study investigated how 8 secondary school students coped with the task of choosing their own problems for a 9-week course in an alternative school in Ithaca, New York. The students chose a theme to be investigated before the class started, collected real data on the theme, and if they felt the need for it, analyzed it using Function Probe, a…

Framing discourse for optimal learning in science and mathematics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Megowan, Mary Colleen

2007-12-01

This study explored the collaborative thinking and learning that occurred in physics and mathematics classes where teachers practiced Modeling Instruction. Four different classes were videotaped---a middle school mathematics resource class, a 9th grade physical science class, a high school honors physics class and a community college engineering physics course. Videotapes and transcripts were analyzed to discover connections between the conceptual structures and spatial representations that shaped students' conversations about space and time. Along the way, it became apparent that students' and teachers' cultural models of schooling were a significant influence, sometimes positive and sometimes negative, in students' engagement and metaphor selection. A growing number of researchers are exploring the importance of semiotics in physics and mathematics, but typically their unit of analysis is the individual student. To examine the distributed cognition that occurred in this unique learning setting, not just among students but also in connection with their tools, artifacts and representations, I extended the unit of analysis for my research to include small groups and their collaborative work with whiteboarded representations of contextual problems and laboratory exercises. My data revealed a number of interesting insights. Students who constructed spatial representations and used them to assist their reasoning, were more apt to demonstrate a coherent grasp of the elements, operations, relations and rules that govern the model under investigation than those who relied on propositional algebraic representations of the model. In classrooms where teachers permitted and encouraged students to take and hold the floor during whole-group discussions, students learned to probe one another more deeply and conceptually. Shared representations (whether spatial or propositional/algebraic), such as those that naturally occurred when students worked together in small groups to prepare collaborative displays of their thinking, were more apt to stimulate conceptually oriented conversations among students than individual work, i.e., what each student had written on his or her worksheet. This research was supported, in part, by grants from the National Science Foundation (#0337795 and #0312038). Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

A Voyage of Mathematical and Cultural Awareness for Students of Upper Secondary School

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panagiotou, Evangelos N.

2014-01-01

Many papers have emphasized the need for and importance of particular examples and the underlying rationale for introducing a historical dimension in mathematics education. This article presents the development and implementation of a project, based on original sources, in a situation where the existing curriculum does not include history. The subject was conic sections and the motivating problems and original work which eventually found resolution in modern concepts. The project was carried out during the school year 2006-2007 with 18 students of a Greek experimental high school 2nd class (11th degree). It was devised as a series of worksheets, separate readings and oral presentations and written essays so that students might appreciate that mathematics evolves under the influence of factors intrinsic and extrinsic to it. Both epistemological and disciplinary issues are taken into account. Even though this work is just one case study, we have found that exposing students directly to primary sources in mathematics contributes greatly to motivation and understanding, and illustrates the nature of mathematics as a discipline and as a human endeavour.

The Causal Effect of Class Size on Academic Achievement: Multivariate Instrumental Variable Estimators with Data Missing at Random

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shin, Yongyun; Raudenbush, Stephen W.

2011-01-01

This article addresses three questions: Does reduced class size cause higher academic achievement in reading, mathematics, listening, and word recognition skills? If it does, how large are these effects? Does the magnitude of such effects vary significantly across schools? The authors analyze data from Tennessee's Student/Teacher Achievement Ratio…

We're in Math Class Playing Games, Not Playing Games in Math Class

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McFeetors, P. Janelle; Palfy, Kylie

2017-01-01

Early experiences of reasoning while playing games of strategy are foundational for future proofs that students will be expected to build using conventionally structured arguments. But how did game playing in school occur? How can educators be sure that mathematical reasoning is going on? The authors investigated these questions to understand how…

Teacher practices and student science grades as indicators of performance on the Reading, Mathematics, and Science Reasoning subtests of the ACT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wade, Marilyn R.

In light of the federal mandates of standardized testing at all levels set in the No Child Left Behind Act of 2002, the purpose of this study was to determine if a significant relationship exists between high school science averages, the number of high school science courses taken, and the ACT Reading, Mathematics, and Science Reasoning subscores with consideration of the demographic characteristics of gender, ethnicity, and school attended. Further, this study examined the influence of the instructional practices and assessment methods used by the classroom teacher on students' ACT Science Reasoning subscores. The sample consisted of four public high schools in Northwest Tennessee, which provided data for students in the graduating classes of 2003 and 2004. Eight of 16 teachers at these schools who had taught students from both graduating classes completed a survey indicating instructional practices and assessment methods used in the classroom. Multiple regression results indicated positive significant relationships of white ethnicity, high school science average, and the number of high school courses taken to the three ACT subscores. Negative significant relationships were found for black ethnicity in relation to the three ACT subscores and for gender in relation to the ACT Mathematics and ACT Science Reasoning subscore. MANOVA results indicated no significant difference in instructional practices and Mann-Whitney U test results indicated no significant difference in assessment methods of teachers at lower- and higher-scoring schools. Further study is needed to determine the types of professional development activities that teachers need and desire to make positive changes in instructional practices and assessment methods to raise levels of achievement for all students.

Physically Active Math and Language Lessons Improve Academic Achievement: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Mullender-Wijnsma, Marijke J; Hartman, Esther; de Greeff, Johannes W; Doolaard, Simone; Bosker, Roel J; Visscher, Chris

2016-03-01

Using physical activity in the teaching of academic lessons is a new way of learning. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an innovative physically active academic intervention ("Fit & Vaardig op School" [F&V]) on academic achievement of children. Using physical activity to teach math and spelling lessons was studied in a cluster-randomized controlled trial. Participants were 499 children (mean age 8.1 years) from second- and third-grade classes of 12 elementary schools. At each school, a second- and third-grade class were randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. The intervention group participated in F&V lessons for 2 years, 22 weeks per year, 3 times a week. The control group participated in regular classroom lessons. Children's academic achievement was measured before the intervention started and after the first and second intervention years. Academic achievement was measured by 2 mathematics tests (speed and general math skills) and 2 language tests (reading and spelling). After 2 years, multilevel analysis showed that children in the intervention group had significantly greater gains in mathematics speed test (P < .001; effect size [ES] 0.51), general mathematics (P < .001; ES 0.42), and spelling (P < .001; ES 0.45) scores. This equates to 4 months more learning gains in comparison with the control group. No differences were found on the reading test. Physically active academic lessons significantly improved mathematics and spelling performance of elementary school children and are therefore a promising new way of teaching. Copyright © 2016 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Social stratification and science education: A longitudinal analysis, 1981-1986, of minorities' integration into the scientific talent pool

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mulkey, Lynn M.; Ellis, Ronald S.

It is common knowledge that scientists are those persons who have the unique attributes required to perform in the role, but contrary to what is widely believed, scientists might also be those who have had access to resources of which other members of the population have been deprived. This study investigates the effectiveness of interventions designed to mediate the negative influence of ascription (race and ethnicity) on the scientific talent pool (students having interest and ability in science). Minorities refers to participants representing the major ethnic and racial groups in the New York City school system: Blacks and Hispanics. Cross-tabulations showed that urban underachieving public high school students take significantly more mathematics and science classes, more frequently graduate from high school and more often enroll in college as compared with students of the same population, who were not exposed to the program. These findings on the effectiveness of tutoring, career counseling, exposure to industrial and academic research sites and to scientist role models, and after-school and weekend classes in mathematics and science, reinforce the observations of Thomas (1986) of the importance of prerequisites for increasing participation of minorities in the natural and technical sciences and mathematics. They extend knowledge of factors which lessen the effects of ascription on educational attainment, and which promote meritocratic conditions for achieving a scientific occupation.

Teaching the Hardy-Weinberg Law

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dudley, B. A. C.

1972-01-01

Describes an approach to teaching the Hardy-Weinberg Law in high school genetics class. Instructional procedures used help in developing this concept in broad generalization form rather than merely a mathematical model of a gene pool. (PS)

History and Legacy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mason, Diana S.

2004-01-01

The history of the computer usage in high school laboratories is discussed. Students learned scientific methods by acknowledging measurement errors, using significant digits, questioning their own results, and without doubts, they benefited from applying skill learned in mathematics classes.

"Give Me a Lesson and I'll Deliver It": Teaching Assistants' Experiences of Leading Primary Mathematics Lessons in England

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Houssart, Jenny

2013-01-01

Teaching Assistants (TAs) in primary schools in England have a growing pedagogic role. For some, this sometimes includes responsibility for the whole class instead of the teacher. This article draws on 24 interview transcripts to examine the practice in the context of primary mathematics lessons and from TAs' viewpoints. Emergency cover is often…

WWC Review of the Report "The Impact of Indiana's System of Interim Assessments on Mathematics and Reading Achievement." What Works Clearinghouse Single Study Review

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

What Works Clearinghouse, 2015

2015-01-01

The study authors examined the effects of using "Diagnostic Assessment Tools" ("DAT") on mathematics and reading outcomes for students in Indiana schools during the 2009-10 academic year. "DAT" consists of interim assessment tools--Wireless Generation's mCLASS for students in grades K-2 and CTB/ McGraw-Hill's Acuity…

Geometry as Objective Science in Elementary School Classrooms: Mathematics in the Flesh. Routledge International Studies in the Philosophy of Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roth, Wolff-Michael

2011-01-01

This study examines the origins of geometry in and out of the intuitively given everyday lifeworlds of children in a second-grade mathematics class. These lifeworlds, though pre-geometric, are not without model objects that denote and come to anchor geometric idealities that they will understand at later points in their lives. Roth's analyses…

Effects of Group Size on Students Mathematics Achievement in Small Group Settings

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Enu, Justice; Danso, Paul Amoah; Awortwe, Peter K.

2015-01-01

An ideal group size is hard to obtain in small group settings; hence there are groups with more members than others. The purpose of the study was to find out whether group size has any effects on students' mathematics achievement in small group settings. Two third year classes of the 2011/2012 academic year were selected from two schools in the…

The Development of a Culture of Problem Solving with Secondary Students through Heuristic Strategies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eisenmann, Petr; Novotná, Jarmila; Pribyl, Jirí; Brehovský, Jirí

2015-01-01

The article reports the results of a longitudinal research study conducted in three mathematics classes in Czech schools with 62 pupils aged 12-18 years. The pupils were exposed to the use of selected heuristic strategies in mathematical problem solving for a period of 16 months. This was done through solving problems where the solution was the…

Improving mathematics teaching and learning experiences for hard of hearing students with wireless technology-enhanced classrooms.

PubMed

Liu, Chen-Chung; Chou, Chien-Chia; Liu, Baw-Jhiune; Yang, Jui-Wen

2006-01-01

Hard of hearing students usually face more difficulties at school than other students. A classroom environment with wireless technology was implemented to explore whether wireless technology could enhance mathematics learning and teaching activities for a hearing teacher and her 7 hard of hearing students in a Taiwan junior high school. Experiments showed that the highly interactive communication through the wireless network increased student participation in learning activities. Students demonstrated more responses to the teacher and fewer distraction behaviors. Fewer mistakes were made in in-class course work because Tablet PCs provided students scaffolds. Students stated that the environment with wireless technology was desirable and said that they hoped to continue using the environment to learn mathematics.

Effects of reading picture books on kindergartners' mathematics performance.

PubMed

van den Heuvel-Panhuizen, Marja; Elia, Iliada; Robitzsch, Alexander

2016-02-07

This article describes a field experiment with a pretest-posttest control group design which investigated the potential of reading picture books to children for supporting their mathematical understanding. The study involved 384 children from 18 kindergarten classes in 18 schools in the Netherlands. During three months, the children in the nine experimental classes were read picture books. Data analysis revealed that, when controlled for relevant covariates, the picture book reading programme had a positive effect ( d  = .13) on kindergartners' mathematics performance as measured by a project test containing items on number, measurement and geometry. Compared to the increase from pretest to posttest in the control group, the increase in the experimental group was 22% larger. No significant differential intervention effects were found between subgroups based on kindergarten year, age, home language, socio-economic status and mathematics and language ability, but a significant intervention effect was found for girls and not for boys.

Effects of reading picture books on kindergartners’ mathematics performance

PubMed Central

van den Heuvel-Panhuizen, Marja; Elia, Iliada; Robitzsch, Alexander

2016-01-01

This article describes a field experiment with a pretest–posttest control group design which investigated the potential of reading picture books to children for supporting their mathematical understanding. The study involved 384 children from 18 kindergarten classes in 18 schools in the Netherlands. During three months, the children in the nine experimental classes were read picture books. Data analysis revealed that, when controlled for relevant covariates, the picture book reading programme had a positive effect (d = .13) on kindergartners’ mathematics performance as measured by a project test containing items on number, measurement and geometry. Compared to the increase from pretest to posttest in the control group, the increase in the experimental group was 22% larger. No significant differential intervention effects were found between subgroups based on kindergarten year, age, home language, socio-economic status and mathematics and language ability, but a significant intervention effect was found for girls and not for boys. PMID:26855457

Using "First Principles of Instruction" to Design Secondary School Mathematics Flipped Classroom: The Findings of Two Exploratory Studies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lo, Chung Kwan; Hew, Khe Foon

2017-01-01

Flipping the classroom is a current pedagogical innovation in many schools and universities. Although interest in flipped classroom (or Inverted Classroom) continues to grow, its implementation so far has been driven more by teachers' intuitive beliefs, rather than empirically-based principles. Many studies merely replace in-class instructions…

Online Dual Credit Mathematics for Rural Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harris, Roy Joe; Stovall, Sarah T.

2013-01-01

Students from small rural schools (class 1A, 2A, and 3A) historically have not had access to dual credit courses for several reasons including distance from a college campus, affordability, and district teaching strength. In an effort to address these problems and to begin the college experience sooner, a new program was developed by the…

Sowing the Seeds: Moving Curriculum and School Culture towards Education for Sustainable Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Capozzi, Richard

2005-01-01

2005 marks the beginning of the UN Decade for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), but awareness of this event is practically nonexistent in the New York City public high school where the author teaches English. A concerted effort to teach for--or even about--sustainability in mathematics, science, business and humanities classes is more…

Social Class and the STEM Career Pipeline an Ethnographic Investigation of Opportunity Structures in a High-Poverty versus Affluent High School

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nikischer, Andrea B.

2013-01-01

This research investigates science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) high school opportunity structures, including student experiences with math and science course sequences and progress, college guidance and counseling, and STEM extracurricular activities (Weis and Eisenhart, 2009), specifically related to STEM fields and career and…

Slow off the Mark: Elementary School Teachers and the Crisis in STEM Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Epstein, Diana; Miller, Raegen T.

2011-01-01

Prospective teachers can typically obtain a license to teach elementary school without taking a rigorous college-level STEM class such as calculus, statistics, or chemistry, and without demonstrating a solid grasp of mathematics knowledge, scientific knowledge, or the nature of scientific inquiry. This is not a recipe for ensuring students have…

Research Guided Practice: Student Online Experiences during Mathematics Class in the Middle School

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mojica-Casey, Maria; Dekkers, John; Thrupp, Rose-Marie

2014-01-01

The approaches to new technologies available to schools, teachers and students largely concern computers and engagement. This requires adoption of alternate and new teaching practices to engage students in the teaching and learning process. This research integrates youth voice about the use of technology. A major motivation for this research is to…

High School Ability Patterns: A Backward Look from the Doctorate. Scientific Manpower Report No. 6.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harmon, Lindsey R.

Questionnaires were sent to U.S. high schools soliciting information on former students who had earned doctorates. The questionnaire provided data on grades, rank in graduating class, and mental test scores. The grades were summarized into four grade-point averages (GPA's), one each for English and foreign languages, social studies, mathematics,…

Examination of the Relationship between Eighth Grade Students' Learning Styles and Attitudes towards Mathematics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aydin, Bünyamin

2016-01-01

The aim of this research is to determine eighth grade students' learning styles and attitudes toward math class and to show the relationship between their learning styles and attitudes toward math class. Sample of the research consists of 100 eighth grade students having education in a school in the Central Anatolia of our country. As data…

The effect of team accelerated instruction on students’ mathematics achievement and learning motivation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sri Purnami, Agustina; Adi Widodo, Sri; Charitas Indra Prahmana, Rully

2018-01-01

This study aimed to know the improvement of achievement and motivation of learning mathematics by using Team Accelerated Instruction. The research method used was the experiment with descriptive pre-test post-test experiment. The population in this study was all students of class VIII junior high school in Jogjakarta. The sample was taken using cluster random sampling technique. The instrument used in this research was questionnaire and test. Data analysis technique used was Wilcoxon test. It concluded that there was an increase in motivation and student achievement of class VII on linear equation system material by using the learning model of Team Accelerated Instruction. Based on the results of the learning model Team Accelerated Instruction can be used as a variation model in learning mathematics.

Building Your Own Regression Model

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Horton, Robert, M.; Phillips, Vicki; Kenelly, John

2004-01-01

Spreadsheets to explore regression with an algebra 2 class in a medium-sized rural high school are presented. The use of spreadsheets can help students develop sophisticated understanding of mathematical models and use them to describe real-world phenomena.

Role Playing Based on Multicultural for Understanding Fraction in Primary School

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aryanto, S.; Budiarti, T.; Rahmatullah, R.; Utami, S. R.; Jupri, A.

2017-09-01

Multicultural serve as a reference in the development of innovative mathematical learning materials and is expected to be a solution in improving the ability of students in understanding the fraction matter based on social and mathematical approach, so this study aims to determine the improvement of students’ understanding in fraction matter through role playing by integrating multicultural concepts as development learning content. Classroom Action Research conducted on 34 students in elementary school class proves that students’ understanding in fraction matter shows improvement in cycle II as much as 67% of students are able to apply the concept or formula exactly when compared with the result of cycles I of 33%. This research is expected to be the reference of teachers in developing innovative mathematical learning, let alone explicitly, this concept not only emphasizes the cognitive abilities of students, but implicitly can develop their social skills in mathematical perspective.

EVALUATION AND FOLLOWUP STUDY OF A SUMMER SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS PROGRAM FOR TALENTED SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

BASSETT, ROBERT D.; COOLEY, WILLIAM W.

THIS STUDY WAS TO EVALUATE A SUMMER PROGRAM IN SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS FOR 60 PROMISING SCIENCE STUDENTS, AND TO DETERMINE THE EFFECTS OF SUCH A PROGRAM ON THE BEHAVIOR OF STUDENTS IN CLASSES DURING THE ENSUING YEAR AND ON THEIR FUTURE CAREER DECISIONS. THE FIRST 2 OF THE 10 WEEKS OF THIS PROGRAM THE STUDENTS WERE GIVEN ADVANCED INSTRUCTION BY…

The Effect of the 4MAT Method (Learning Styles and Brain Hemispheres) of Instruction on Achievement in Mathematics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tatar, Enver; Dikici, Ramazan

2009-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficiency of 4MAT method of instruction in which learning style and cerebral hemispheres are taken into account in teaching the binary operation and its properties in mathematics. The sample of this study comprised 58 ninth grade students in two separate classes in a high school. One of the classes…

The impact of rigorous mathematical thinking as learning method toward geometry understanding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nugraheni, Z.; Budiyono, B.; Slamet, I.

2018-05-01

To reach higher order thinking skill, needed to be mastered the conceptual understanding. RMT is a unique realization of the cognitive conceptual construction approach based on Mediated Learning Experience (MLE) theory by Feurstein and Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory. This was quasi experimental research which was comparing the experimental class that was given Rigorous Mathematical Thinking (RMT) as learning method and control class that was given Direct Learning (DL) as the conventional learning activity. This study examined whether there was different effect of two learning method toward conceptual understanding of Junior High School students. The data was analyzed by using Independent t-test and obtained a significant difference of mean value between experimental and control class on geometry conceptual understanding. Further, by semi-structure interview known that students taught by RMT had deeper conceptual understanding than students who were taught by conventional way. By these result known that Rigorous Mathematical Thinking (RMT) as learning method have positive impact toward Geometry conceptual understanding.

WWC Review of the Report "Mastery Learning and Student Teams: A Factorial Experiment in Urban General Mathematics Classes"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

What Works Clearinghouse, 2012

2012-01-01

The study reviewed in this paper examined the effects of "mastery learning" and "student team learning" on the math achievement of high school students. The analysis included 588 ninth-grade students in 16 urban Philadelphia high schools. The study assessed the effectiveness of the different conditions after one year by…

Does Applied STEM Course Taking Link to STEM Outcomes for High School Students with Learning Disabilities?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gottfried, Michael A.; Sublett, Cameron

2018-01-01

Over the most recent two decades, federal policy has urged high schools to embed applied science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses into the curriculum to reinforce concepts learned in traditional math and science classes as well as to motivate students' interests and long-term pursuits in STEM areas. While prior research has…

The Role of High School History Teachers on University Students' Attitudes toward History Classes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Köse, Meliha

2017-01-01

This study is a qualitative case study aimed at revealing the roles of high school history teachers on university students' attitudes towards history courses. The study group consists of 30 teacher candidates studying in the department of social sciences and mathematics teaching of a faculty of education at a university in the Western Black Sea.…

Use of Explicit Instruction and Double-Dosing to Teach Ratios, Proportions, and Percentages to At-Risk Middle School Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Piper, Lisa; Marchand-Martella, Nancy; Martella, Ronald

2010-01-01

The purpose of this action research was to determine the level of improvement of middle school students who were low performers in a mathematics class (N = 8) and who received "explicit instruction" with "double dosing" compared to their peer group who received normal instruction (N = 49). Results showed that at-risk…

Learning to teach upper primary school algebra: changes to teachers' mathematical knowledge for teaching functional thinking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilkie, Karina J.

2016-06-01

A key aspect of learning algebra in the middle years of schooling is exploring the functional relationship between two variables: noticing and generalising the relationship, and expressing it mathematically. This article describes research on the professional learning of upper primary school teachers for developing their students' functional thinking through pattern generalisation. This aspect of algebra learning has been explicitly brought to the attention of upper primary teachers in the recently introduced Australian curriculum. Ten practising teachers participated over 1 year in a design-based research project involving a sequence of geometric pattern generalisation lessons with their classes. Initial and final survey responses and teachers' interactions in regular meetings and lessons were analysed from cognitive and situated perspectives on professional learning, using a theoretical model for the different types of knowledge needed for teaching mathematics. The teachers demonstrated an increase in certain aspects of their mathematical knowledge for teaching algebra as well as some residual issues. Implications for the professional learning of practising and pre-service teachers to develop their mathematics knowledge for teaching functional thinking, and challenges with operationalising knowledge categories for field-based research are presented.

Effect of external classroom noise on schoolchildren's reading and mathematics performance: correlation of noise levels and gender.

PubMed

Papanikolaou, M; Skenteris, N; Piperakis, S M

2015-02-01

The present study investigated the effect of low, medium, and high traffic road noise as well as irrelevant background speech noise on primary school children's reading and mathematical performance. A total of 676 participants (324 boys, 47.9% and 352 girls, 52.1%) of the 4th and 5th elementary classes participated in the project. The participants were enrolled in public primary schools from urban areas and had ages ranging from 9 to 10 years and from. Schools were selected on the basis of increasing levels of exposure to road traffic noise and then classified into three categories (Low noise: 55-66 dB, Medium noise: 67-77 dB, and High noise: 72-80 dB). We measured reading comprehension and mathematical skills in accordance with the national guidelines for elementary education, using a test designed specifically for the purpose of this study. On the one hand, children in low-level noise schools showed statistically significant differences from children in medium- and high-level noise schools in reading performance (p<0.001). On the other hand, children in low-level noise schools differed significantly from children in high-level noise schools but only in mathematics performance (p=0.001). Girls in general did better in reading score than boys, especially in schools with medium- and high-level noise. Finally the levels of noise and gender were found to be two independent factors.

The Effect of Brain Based Learning on Second Grade Junior Students' Mathematics Conceptual Understanding on Polyhedron

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Suarsana, I. Made; Widiasih, Ni Putu Santhi; Suparta, I. Nengah

2018-01-01

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of Brain Based Learning on second grade junior high school students? conceptual understanding on polyhedron. This study was conducted by using post-test only control group quasi-experimental design. The subjects of this study were 148 students that divided into three classes. Two classes were taken as…

Challenging Tasks: What Happens When Challenging Tasks Are Used in Mixed Ability Middle School Mathematics Classrooms?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Perkins, Karen

2016-01-01

The topics of decimals and polygons were taught to two classes by using challenging tasks, rather than the more conventional textbook approach. Students were given a pre-test and a post-test. A comparison between the two classes on the pre- and post-test was made. Prior to teaching through challenging tasks, students were surveyed about their…

An historical account of the first year of operation of the Maine School of Science and Mathematics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patterson, James Charles

The purpose of this study was to describe the first school year of operation for the Maine School of Science and Mathematics. Specific areas included in the study were: student residential life and support services, curriculum design, faculty characteristics, administrative structure and guidelines and a formative evaluation design. A comparison was made to a synthesis of characteristics derived from the literature review on the ten public, statewide, residential schools who are members of the National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics, Science and Technology. The Maine School of Science and Mathematics is a statewide public, residential, charter high school designed for highly motivated and high achieving students from across the state. The enabling legislation that created the school was passed in 1994 with a projected start-up in the Fall of 1995. A new independent governor took office in January, 1995 and announced that the appropriation to educate the first students would be delayed until a later date due to an ongoing economic recession. A staff of three full-time MSSM employees worked with the Maine Legislature and a initial start-up appropriation was finally enacted on June 30, 1995 just sixty days from the projected opening date of this new, public, school of choice. During July and August 1995, a teaching faculty, residential life supervisors and a support staff had to be hired and trained. Major policy and program decisions had to be made regarding curriculum, students life/discipline, program evaluation, student transportation, recreation programs, textbook selection, equipment and supply purchases. Students selected to be in the entering class had to make their final decisions to attend this unknown and controversial new charter high school. Finally, as the Maine School of Science and Mathematics was to share the former Limestone High School with the Limestone School Department, space and cost allocations had to be negotiated.

A case study of Markdale High School's implementation of heterogeneously-grouped classes in English, mathematics, science, and social studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pierre-Louis, Fred

The purpose of this study was to describe Markdale High School's change from separate college preparatory and general level classes to heterogeneously-grouped classes in English, mathematics, science, and social studies, with particular emphasis on the principal's leadership style, change process, and teacher concerns (Hall & Hord, 2006) experienced during this effort. The researcher used Hall and Hord's (2006) Concern-Based Adoption Model (CBAM) as a conceptual framework. Specifically, the researcher applied three elements of the CBAM model: (a) the Twelve Principles of Change, (b) the Change Facilitator Styles, and (c) the Stages of Concerns. Hall and Hord's framework served as a lens through which the researcher analyzed all data. The researcher used a mixed-method (qualitative and quantitative) approach to answer the four research questions. The participants completed three instruments: (a) the Stages of Concern Questionnaire (SoCQ), (b) the Principles of Change Survey, and (c) the Facilitator Style Survey. All three instruments were self-report, paper-pencil surveys. The sample included 72 faculty members who experienced the change over the past three years. Findings from the three data sources and the school principal's comments during debriefing are indicated for each research question and reported by unit of analysis. Respective to the research questions, the researcher concluded that: (1) Markdale High School accomplished the change by implementing both structural and instructional changes supporting to the change to heterogeneous grouping; (2) even though teachers had divergent opinions on the school principal's facilitation style, the principal thought of himself as an incrementalist and a practitioner of differentiated facilitation styles; (3) while half of the faculty felt that they received formal training on heterogeneous grouping, (4) half felt that they did not have a choice in the decision-making process as it occurred with college preparatory and general level classes' and (5) even though members of the faculty had strong ideas about how to do things differently, the majority of faculty members from the English, mathematics, and social studies departments at Markdale High School were experiencing management concerns while faculty members from the science departments were experiencing personal concerns as described by Hall and Hord (2006). Finally, conclusions and recommendations for practice and future research are presented for each of the four research questions.

Outcomes and process evaluation of a programme integrating physical activity into the primary school mathematics curriculum: The EASY Minds pilot randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Riley, Nicholas; Lubans, David R; Morgan, Philip J; Young, Myles

2015-11-01

This study evaluated the feasibility of the 'Encouraging Activity to Stimulate Young (EASY) Minds' programme, a school-based intervention for integrating physical activity (PA) into mathematics lessons. Randomised controlled trial. Two classes from a single school (n = 54) were randomised to receive either the 6-week EASY Minds intervention (n = 27) or follow their usual school programme (n = 27). The intervention involved the embedding of PA across the pre-existing mathematics programme for 3 × 60 min sessions per week. Changes in PA were measured using accelerometers and 'on task' behaviour was measured using momentary time sampling observation. Using intention-to-treat analysis, significant intervention effects were found for MVPA (9.7%, 95%CI = 7.6, 11.8, p ≤ 0.001) and sedentary time (-22.4%, CI = -24.9, -12.2, p ≤ 0.001) for the intervention group during Mathematics lessons (9.30 am-10.30 am). Significant intervention effects were also shown for MVPA 8.7% (95% CI = 5.8, 11.6, p ≤ 0.001 and sedentary time -18.6% (95% CI = -24.9, -12.2, p ≤ 0.001) across the whole school day. Furthermore, children displayed significantly greater 'on-task' behaviour across the intervention period with a 19.9% (95%CI = 2.4, 37.4, p ≤ 0.03) mean difference between groups. The EASY Minds programme demonstrated that integrating movement across the primary mathematics syllabus is feasible and efficacious in enhancing school based-PA and improving on-task behaviour in mathematics lessons. Copyright © 2014 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Exploring the Planets: A Mathematical Journey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campbell, M. B.; Johnson, C. L.

2002-12-01

We have developed a series of lessons, designed to teach and reinforce mathematics through lessons about Earth and the bodies that most resemble it in the solar system: Mars, Venus, and the Moon. All lessons are based on California mathematics standards and also cover some Earth science content standards. The overall goal is to achieve cross-curricular learning objectives by showing how math and science work together. While the lessons are designed for a 7th grade math class, they could easily be adapted for a science class, or even modified for different grade levels. The lessons are designed to make recent discoveries in planetary science accessible to students in under-resourced schools. The set of five lessons makes up one unit to be taught consecutively. All the lessons are designed for the alternate day 1 hr and 50 min block scheduling, however the activities could be divided up over two days to accommodate a traditional schedule. There are a total of five lessons, plus a unit test and alternative assessment activities to be given on the sixth day of the unit. In a normal block schedule, the unit should take three weeks. The lessons are available on the web at http://mahi.ucsd.edu/johnson/mathjourney. Each lesson plan comprises the lesson objectives (along with the relevant California 7th grade mathematics standards), a warm-up activity, a vocabulary list (containing words that may be unfamiliar to students, especially those who are learning English), materials required for the class, the lesson structure plus sample dialogue, and in-class and homework activities and worksheets. The in-class activities and worksheets give students the opportunity to master concepts, and can also be useful as a formative assessment tool for the teacher. The mid-unit quiz, final test, and final project can be used as summative assessments. The lessons will be tested this fall by the first author at Davis Middle School, Compton, CA. They will also be disseminated among Teach For America corps members to enable a broader impact in a range of urban and rural under-resourced schools. We have also been using the capabilities of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography Visualization Center to produce fly-throughs of large planetary data sets. These are exported as QuickTime movies, making them available as educational tools.

[Hygienic assessment of the overwroughtness of educational activity in schoolchildren of 5-10 classes of secondary schools].

PubMed

Kuchma, V R; Efimova, N V; Tkachuk, E A; Mylnikova, I V

2016-01-01

The state of health in children and adolescents during the time of education in secondary schools is getting worse: the prevalence rate of functional disorders and chronic diseases is increasing. There was executed the assessment of the overwroughtness of the training-education process in secondary school institutions. The prior characteristics of the educational activity are: intellectual, sensory, emotional loads; their monotony and mode of educational activity, school work intensity. The system of indices of the overwroughtness of the education labour was formed with account ofpsycho-physiological characteristics of children's organism. There was performed the research of the overwroughtness of educational activity in 820 schoolchildren. The overwroughtness of the educational process was evaluated on the basis of chronometry research, questionnaire survey of teachers and parents, and with taking into account the organization of educational process. In questionnaire survey there were involved 52 teachers and 389 parents. The assessment of overwroughtness factors of the educational activity was carried out in 5-10th classes for academic disciplines: Russian Language, Literature, Mathematics, History, Geography, Foreign Languages. It was found that the characteristics of "mental load" in schoolchildren are established to be the one of the main limiting factors that allow to refer training activities to "overwroughted of first degree" (3.1 class). Sensory loads on the studied academic subjects are rated as the second class of overwroughtness and are "permissible." The monotony of loads was revealed to correspond to 1st and 2nd class of overwroughtness and is therefore an optimal or acceptable. Training activities in the traditional educational institution corresponds to the 2nd class of overwroughtness - "permissible." The arduousness of the educational process in an innovative school is rated as the third class of the first degree ofthe overwroughtness (3.1). According to results of the study of the arduousness of the educational labor the study of mathematics in grades 5-9 on indices of the mental load was noted to correspond to the 1st degree of arduous activity (3.1 class). The acceptable level of the arduousness of the training and educational labour in nearly all classes was established in the Russian language, Literature, History and Geography, Foreign language. High school students are established to be exposed to effects of emotional load more than mid-level students. There are developed proposals on the optimization of the learning process, allowing to reduce the level of intellectual, sensory, emotional load.

Dienes AEM as an alternative mathematics teaching aid to enhance Indonesian students’ understanding of algebra concept

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soro, S.; Maarif, S.; Kurniawan, Y.; Raditya, A.

2018-01-01

The aim of this study is to find out the effect of Dienes AEM (Algebra Experience Materials) on the ability of understanding concept of algebra on the senior high school student in Indonesia. This research is an experimental research with subject of all high school students in Indonesia. The samples taken were high school students in three provinces namely DKI Jakarta Province, West Java Province and Banten Province. From each province was taken senior high school namely SMA N 9 Bekasi West Java, SMA N 94 Jakarta and SMA N 5 Tangerang, Banten. The number of samples in this study was 114 high school students of tenth grade as experimental class and 115 high school students of tenth grade as control class. Learning algebra concept is needed in learning mathematics, besides it is needed especially to educate students to be able to think logically, systematically, critically, analytically, creatively, and cooperation. Therefore in this research will be developed an effective algebra learning by using Dienes AEM. The result of this research is that there is a significant influence on the students’ concept comprehension ability taught by using Dienes AEM learning as an alternative to instill the concept of algebra compared to the students taught by conventional learning. Besides, the students’ learning motivation increases because students can construct the concept of algebra with props.

Effectiveness of a hospital school mathematics literacy program.

PubMed

Covic, Amalia Neide; Kanemoto, Eduardo; Bastos, Andre Covic

2012-01-01

To receive treatment for cancer, patients in Brazil often travel to larger hospitals that may be located far away from their families and communities. Pediatric patients miss time in the classroom and may achieve educational milestones later than other students. They may also struggle with some educational topics after receiving certain types of cancer treatment. The Hospital School at the GRAACC helps to close this education gap by providing educational support to school-age students receiving treatment for cancer. In addition to providing educational services during treatment, teachers at the hospital school, Mobile School - Specific Student (EMAE). The objective of this preliminary study is to build knowledge about the impact of school enrollment on mathematics literacy in hospitalized cancer patients undergoing treatment. We followed 15-year-old patients (n = 54) with at last 1 year inside the hospital school for a period of 8 years (2001-2008). Study participants were affected by a variety of diseases including bone tumors (n = 39), Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 08) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 07). The level of participants' mathematical literacy was regularly assessed by reviewing the results of formative assessments completed by students. Using that information, students were grouped into categories according to mathematics literacy levels established by the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). The formative assessment is based on the analysis of all the material produced by the student and the EMAE teacher across the years of the study, including the recordings of working meetings that were held with all the teachers every class day.

Spotlight on Spelling.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hardin County Board of Education, Elizabethtown, KY.

Word lists and class activities are suggested for improving the spelling of elementary school students. The word lists contain rhyming words, antonyms, synonyms, homonyms, 100 spelling demons, look-alike words that are easily confused, and content area words (for geography, mathematics, science, sports, music, social studies). The suggested…

The Impact of Competition on Raising Mathematics Competency at Camelot Elementary School in Chesapeake, Virginia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hayden, L. B.; Johnson, D.

2012-12-01

In 1995, the Virginia Department of Education approved a federal mandate for No Child Left Behind 2001 Education Act implementing the Standards of Learning (SOL) in four content areas: Mathematics, Science, English, and History and Social Sciences. These new guidelines set forth learning and achievement expectations for content areas for grades K-12 in Virginia's Public Schools. Given the SOL mandates, Virginia's elementary teachers and school leaders utilized research for specific teaching methods intended to encourage score improvements on end of year mathematics tests. In 2001, the concept of the Math Sprint Competition was introduced to Camelot Elementary School in Chesapeake Virginia, by researchers at Elizabeth City State University of Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Camelot Elementary, a K-5 school, is a Title I school nestled in a lower middle class neighborhood and houses a high number of minority students. On average, these students achieve lower test score gains than students in higher socioeconomic status district schools. Defined as a test-review based in relay format that utilizes released SOL test items, Math Sprint promotes mathematical skills outlined in Virginia SOL's and encourages competition among students that motivated them to quickly pick up on new material and retain the old material in order to out-do the others. Research identified was based on specific relationships between student competition and statewide testing results in mathematics for grades three, four, and five at Camelot Elementary. Data was compiled from results of the Math Sprint Competition and research focused on methods for motivating students encouraged by the use of a math sprint competition. Individual Pearson Product Moment Correlations were conducted to determine which variables possess strong and statistically significant relationships. Significantly, positive results came from 2005 to 2010 math sprints data from which students participated.

Mathematics and academic diversity in Japan.

PubMed

Woodward, John; Ono, Yumiko

2004-01-01

Japanese education has been the subject of considerable research and educational commentary in the United States over the last 20 years. Since the early 1990s, there has been increased interest in Japanese methods for teaching mathematics, and the Third International Mathematics and Science Study has accelerated American interest in Japanese methods. Observational studies, teacher and student surveys, and analyses of classroom videotapes have provided a rich picture of how the Japanese teach the whole class. However, little has been written about how academically low-achieving math students fare in Japanese schools. This article briefly summarizes Japanese methods for teaching mathematics and describes how the educational system addresses academic diversity. It concludes with a description of a method for teaching mathematics that some Japanese mathematics educators feel has promise for students with learning disabilities.

Remediation for Students With Mathematics Difficulties: An Intervention Study in Middle Schools.

PubMed

Moser Opitz, Elisabeth; Freesemann, Okka; Prediger, Susanne; Grob, Urs; Matull, Ina; Hußmann, Stephan

As empirical studies have consistently shown, low achievement in mathematics at the secondary level can often be traced to deficits in the understanding of certain basic arithmetic concepts taught in primary school. The present intervention study in middle schools evaluated whether such learning deficits can be reduced effectively and whether the type of instruction influences students' progress. The sample consisted of 123 students in 34 classes, split among one control group and two intervention groups: (a) small group instruction and (b) independent work partially integrated into regular classrooms. Over a period of 14 weeks, students were taught basic concepts, such as place value and basic operations. In addition, they practiced fact retrieval and counting (in groups). Multilevel regression analyses demonstrated that the interventions can be used to reduce given deficits.

Experiences of high school Hispanic girls in pursuit of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics-related coursework and careers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vijil, Veronica G.

2011-12-01

An overall increased awareness of the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) has prompted attention toward the continued underrepresentation of Hispanic women in this field. The purpose of this collective case study was to explore the support systems, perceived barriers, and prior experiences influencing high school Hispanic girls' decisions to pursue advanced coursework and related careers through a career pathway in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) areas. Specifically, participants were interviewed regarding their mathematics and science experiences in elementary and middle schools, as well as perceived supports and barriers to their choices to pursue STEM careers and advanced coursework. Results indicated that the participants linked their elementary and middle school experiences with their teachers rather than specific activities. Accolades such as certificates and good grades for academic achievement contributed to the girls' strong self-efficacy at an early age. The participants possessed self-discipline and self-confidence, using intrinsic motivation to pursue their goals. Support systems included families and a few teachers. Barriers were revealed in different forms including derogatory comments by boys in class, difficult curricula with limited tutors available for higher level courses, and receipt of financial assistance to attend a university of their choice.

Tackling Misconceptions about Linear Associations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Huey, Maryann E.; Baker, Deidra L.

2015-01-01

Many teachers of required secondary school mathematics classes are introducing statistics and probability topics traditionally relegated to college or AP Statistics courses. As a result, they need guidance in preparing lesson plans and orchestrating effective classroom discussions. In this article, the authors will describe the students' learning…

Numbers Sense

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kathotia, Vinay

2009-01-01

This article reports on work undertaken by schools as part of Qualifications and Curriculum Authority's (QCA's) "Engaging mathematics for all learners" project. The goal was to use in the classroom, materials and approaches from a Royal Institution (Ri) Year 10 master-class, "Number Sense", which was inspired by examples from…

Interventions for Primary School Children With Difficulties in Mathematics.

PubMed

Dowker, Ann

2017-01-01

Difficulty with arithmetic is a common problem for children and adults, though there has been some work on the topic for a surprisingly long time. This chapter will review some of the research that has been done over the years on interventions with primary school children. Interventions can be of various levels of intensiveness, ranging from whole-class approaches that take account of individual differences through small-group and limited-time individual interventions to extended-time individual interventions. Interventions discussed here include those involving peer tuition and group collaboration; those involving board and computer games; and those that involve assessing children's strengths and weaknesses in different components of mathematics; and targeting remedial activities to the assessed weaknesses. Most of the interventions discussed in this chapter specifically involve mathematics (usually mainly arithmetic), but there is also some discussion of attempts to improve mathematics by training children in domain-general skills, including Piagetian operations, metacognition, and executive functions. © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Improving Reading In Every Class. Abridged Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thomas, Ellen Lamar; Robinson, H. Alan

This book suggests procedures not only for teaching the fundamental processes in reading but also for teaching reading in high school subject areas. Four chapters present methods for teaching vocabulary, comprehension, rate, and problem solving. Nine chapters are devoted to practical classroom methods for teaching mathematics, science, industrial…

Socioeconomic variation, number competence, and mathematics learning difficulties in young children.

PubMed

Jordan, Nancy C; Levine, Susan C

2009-01-01

As a group, children from disadvantaged, low-income families perform substantially worse in mathematics than their counterparts from higher-income families. Minority children are disproportionately represented in low-income populations, resulting in significant racial and social-class disparities in mathematics learning linked to diminished learning opportunities. The consequences of poor mathematics achievement are serious for daily functioning and for career advancement. This article provides an overview of children's mathematics difficulties in relation to socioeconomic status (SES). We review foundations for early mathematics learning and key characteristics of mathematics learning difficulties. A particular focus is the delays or deficiencies in number competencies exhibited by low-income children entering school. Weaknesses in number competence can be reliably identified in early childhood, and there is good evidence that most children have the capacity to develop number competence that lays the foundation for later learning.

Pedagogical Reform and College WOMEN’S Persistence in Mathematics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Strand, Kerry J. Strand; Mayfield, M. Elizabeth

Significant gender differences persist in the election of mathematics courses and math-related majors in college. Recent research suggests that part of the blame lies with conventional pedagogical approaches and that alternative approaches emphasizing practical applications, collaborative problem solving, and group work make mathematics more understandable and appealing to all students, particularly women. Using questionnaires administered to 355 traditional-age female college students, the authors examined the relationship between alternative teaching strategies in high school mathematics classes and two categories of outcome variables: mathematics-related attitudes and mathematics persistence in college. Multivariate analysis showed that experience with this so-called female-friendly pedagogy is positively related to students’ math-related attitudes and that these attitudes predict math persistence in college. However, the authors’ data also indicate that alternative teaching strategies have no discernible direct effect on students’ choices of mathematics courses or mathrelated

Factors that affect the physical science career interest of female students: Testing five common hypotheses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hazari, Zahra; Potvin, Geoff; Lock, Robynne M.; Lung, Florin; Sonnert, Gerhard; Sadler, Philip M.

2013-12-01

There are many hypotheses regarding factors that may encourage female students to pursue careers in the physical sciences. Using multivariate matching methods on national data drawn from the Persistence Research in Science and Engineering (PRiSE) project (n=7505), we test the following five commonly held beliefs regarding what factors might impact females’ physical science career interest: (i) having a single-sex physics class, (ii) having a female physics teacher, (iii) having female scientist guest speakers in physics class, (iv) discussing the work of female scientists in physics class, and (v) discussing the underrepresentation of women in physics class. The effect of these experiences on physical science career interest is compared for female students who are matched on several factors, including prior science interests, prior mathematics interests, grades in science, grades in mathematics, and years of enrollment in high school physics. No significant effects are found for single-sex classes, female teachers, female scientist guest speakers, and discussing the work of female scientists. However, discussions about women’s underrepresentation have a significant positive effect.

U.S. Math Performance in Global Perspective: How Well Does Each State Do at Producing High-Achieving Students? PEPG Report No.: 10-19

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hanushek, Eric A.; Peterson, Paul E.; Woessmann, Ludger

2010-01-01

To see how well U.S. schools do at producing high-achieving math students, the authors compare the percentage of U.S. public and private school students in the graduating Class of 2009 who were highly accomplished in mathematics in each of the 50 states and in 10 urban districts to percentages of high achievers in 56 other countries. Their…

LEARN-TEACH: a pilot to boost Ocean Literacy in High Schools

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grigorov, Ivo; Payne, Diana; Vogt, Bynna; Knappe, Charlotte; Riedel, Werner

2017-04-01

Raising the Ocean Literacy of all levels of society is now a policy priority for the European Commission. The long-term objective is better appreciation of the socio-economic benefits and ecosystem services that the marine environment provides, and encourage better stewardship of the seas. One long-term, and potentially self-sustainable, concept is to put sufficient mutual incentives in place so that researchers, teachers and students in high-schools science and mathematics classes accessorize school curricula with the latest marine research results and knowledge. Summary of preliminary teachers consultations at Copenhagen International School suggest that teachers are prepared and willing to include recent marine research, research data and knowledge in high school science classes and carry over the research data to mathematics/statistics classes and exercises. However the active participation of researchers is sought to provide guidance and translation of latest research findings, and point to real data sources. LEARN-TEACH Pilot`s main objective is to test a long-term scalable and locally applicable solution for engaging young people in marine environment issues and challenges. LEARN-TEACH sustainability of concept relies on mutual training and clear mutual incentives. For the teachers, it allows an opportunity to understand and inject recent research in the school curriculum in order to "increase the level of knowledge among the population of the marine environment". For the researchers, LEARN-TEACH is tailored as a tool for outreach and dissmination, as well as exposing young marine researchers to the challenges of translating and communicating research to non-academic audiences, and potentially an alternative career. The presentation will demonstrate how LEARN-TEACH can be embedded in every research grant in any EU region, and how it can add a competitive edge at research grant proposal evaluation. The content is based on the "Blue Schools" initiative of Horizon 2020 SeaChange Consortium, an EC Ocean Literacy project (www.seachangeproject.eu)

A Teaching Polygon Makes Learning a Community Enterprise

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Colgan, Mark; DeLong, Matt

2015-01-01

In order to strengthen departmental collegiality and improve teaching, our mathematics department instituted a Teaching Polygon. Building on the faculty development idea of Teaching Squares, each member of our department visited one class taught by every other department member in a round-robin fashion during the school year. The visits were…

Stages in Thinking and School Curriculum Content.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Collis, Kevin F.

In earlier research the writer was constrained by the variables which were continuously appearing in both experimental class teaching experiences and various psychological experiments to distinguish four levels of cognitive sophistication in so far as mathematical material was concerned between the ages of 7 years and 17 years. In current research…

Engineering Encounters: Elephant Trunks and Dolphin Tails

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hefty, Lukas

2014-01-01

This article describes how one class at Douglas Jamerson Elementary School in St. Petersburg, Florida, a center for engineering and mathematics, incorporated an Engineering Design Process into its curriculum. At Jamerson Elementary, all students in kindergarten through fifth grade engage in teacher-created, integrated engineering units of study,…

An Engineer Does What Now?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gilbert, Amy; Wade, Katherine

2014-01-01

For an introductory engineering class at an all-girls urban high school in the Southeast, the authors planned an experience that would align with the engineering aspects of the "Next Generation Science Standards" (NGSS Lead States 2013). The goal was to better relate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to everyday…

Project CHAMP, 1986-1987. OEA Evaluation Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cabrera, Eulalia; And Others

In its fourth year, Project CHAMP (Chinese Achievement and Mastery Program) provided instruction in English as a second language (ESL), native language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies to 728 limited-English-speaking Chinese immigrant students in grades nine through twelve at three schools. Content-area classes were taught in English…

Chemistry and Students with Blindness: The Hurdles Are Not What You Think

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lewis, Amy L. Micklos

2012-01-01

Statistics have shown that individuals with disabilities are underrepresented in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. This work focused on exploring how three students with blindness enrolled in a full-inclusion high-school chemistry class experienced and conceptualized content in order to inform educators,…

GUIDE FOR OPPORTUNITY CLASSES.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

JENNINGS, H. MARVIN; AND OTHERS

TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE SLOW LEARNER AT THE SECONDARY LEVELS, CAREFULLY PLANNED AND TESTED GUIDELINES ARE SET FORTH FOR SELECTION OF PUPILS, STANDARDS FOR GRADING, AND GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS. LESSON PLANS AND SUGGESTIONS, MATERIALS, AND TEXTBOOKS ARE INCLUDED. COURSES COVERED ARE LANGUAGE ARTS, JUNIOR HIGH ARITHMETIC, MATHEMATICS IN HIGH SCHOOL,…

Some Variables in Relation to Students' Anxiety in Learning Statistics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sutarso, Toto

The purpose of this study was to investigate some variables that relate to students' anxiety in learning statistics. The variables included sex, class level, students' achievement, school, mathematical background, previous statistics courses, and race. The instrument used was the 24-item Students' Attitudes Toward Statistics (STATS), which was…

Choral Counting

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Turrou, Angela Chan; Franke, Megan L.; Johnson, Nicholas

2017-01-01

The students in Ms. Moscoso's second-grade class gather on the rug after recess, ready for one of their favorite math warm-ups: Choral Counting. Counting is an important part of doing mathematics throughout the school; students count collections (Schwerdtfeger and Chan 2007) and solve problems using a variety of strategies, many of which are…

Self-Esteem, Study Habits and Academic Performance among University Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chilca Alva, Manuel L.

2017-01-01

This study was intended to establish whether self-esteem and study habits correlate with academic performance among university students. Research conducted was descriptive observational, multivariate or cross-sectional factorial in nature. The study population consisted of 196 students enrolled in a Basic Mathematics 1 class at the School of…

Assessment of School Mathematics: Teachers' Perceptions and Practices.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pfannkuch, Maxine

2001-01-01

Reports on part of a 10-year interval longitudinal study on teacher assessment practices in Auckland, New Zealand. Indicates that primary teachers are using a variety of assessment strategies in a mastery-based system and secondary teachers commonly use alternative assessment strategies in non-examination classes. Suggests that an education system…

The Engineering Process in Construction & Design

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stoner, Melissa A.; Stuby, Kristin T.; Szczepanski, Susan

2013-01-01

Recent research suggests that high-impact activities in science and math classes promote positive attitudinal shifts in students. By implementing high-impact activities, such as designing a school and a skate park, mathematical thinking can be linked to the engineering design process. This hands-on approach, when possible, to demonstrate or…

Closing the Education Gap: A Mayo Clinic Approach to Academic Achievement.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sang, Herb A.

Despite recent efforts to provide equal education, agreement exists that blacks, females, and disadvantaged students as a group are outperformed in mathematics and science by white middle-class students. To help disadvantaged students, the Duval County Public Schools (Jacksonville, Florida) have developed a "Mayo Clinic" approach to…

Project MASTER, 1987-88. OREA Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Berney, Tomi D.; Hammack, Floyd

Project MASTER completed its 3-year funding cycle in 1987-88. The project aimed at providing enhanced science instruction to 575 Spanish-speaking limited-English-proficient students in 5 elementary schools. Project MASTER offered classes in English as a Second Language (ESL), mathematics, science, and computer skills with a hands-on, integrated…

Tracking Instructional Quality across Secondary Mathematics and English Language Arts Classes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Donaldson, Morgaen L.; LeChasseur, Kimberly; Mayer, Anysia

2017-01-01

Teachers have the largest school-based influence on student learning, yet there is little research on how instructional practice is systematically distributed within tracking systems. We examine whether teaching practice varies significantly across track levels and, if so, which aspects of instructional practice differ systematically. Using…

Stretching Probability Explorations with Geoboards

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wheeler, Ann; Champion, Joe

2016-01-01

Students are faced with many transitions in their middle school mathematics classes. To build knowledge, skills, and confidence in the key areas of algebra and geometry, students often need to practice using numbers and polygons in a variety of contexts. Teachers also want students to explore ideas from probability and statistics. Teachers know…

RtI in Math Class

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gresham, Gina; Little, Mary

2012-01-01

One of the most difficult tasks that classroom teachers face is finding ways to reach all their students and match each student's level of mathematical readiness and performance to the skills they are required to teach. In classrooms and schools, current federal and state requirements have increased the emphasis on accountability for improved…

Pivotal Teaching Moments in Technology-Intensive Secondary Geometry Classrooms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cayton, Charity; Hollebrands, Karen; Okumus, Samet; Boehm, Ethan

2017-01-01

This study investigates three teachers' uses of a dynamic geometry program (The Geometer's Sketchpad) in their high school geometry classes over a 2-year period. The researchers examine teachers' actions and questions during pivotal teaching moments to characterize mathematics instruction that utilizes technology. Findings support an association…

Reading Coaching for Math Word Problems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Edwards, Sharon A.; Maloy, Robert W.; Anderson, Gordon

2009-01-01

"Math is language, too," Phyllis and David Whitin (2000) remind everyone in their informative book about reading and writing in the mathematics classroom. This means that students in elementary school math classes are learning two distinct, yet related languages--one of numbers, the other of words. These languages of numbers and words…

Opportunities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Estkowski, Terri

2008-01-01

In life, each person is offered opportunities, one after the other, until life ceases. For the author, one of those opportunities was to attend the Kalamazoo Area Mathematics and Science Center (KAMSC), an NCSSSMST school. While attending KAMSC as a member of its inaugural class required a bit of imagination regarding the opportunity at hand, and…

MIT Orients Course Materials Online to K-12

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cavanagh, Sean

2008-01-01

Many science and mathematics educators across the country are taking advantage of a Web site created by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the famed research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, which offers free video, audio, and print lectures and course material taken straight from the school's classes. Those resources…

The implementation of multiple intelligences based teaching model to improve mathematical problem solving ability for student of junior high school

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fasni, Nurli; Fatimah, Siti; Yulanda, Syerli

2017-05-01

This research aims to achieve some purposes such as: to know whether mathematical problem solving ability of students who have learned mathematics using Multiple Intelligences based teaching model is higher than the student who have learned mathematics using cooperative learning; to know the improvement of the mathematical problem solving ability of the student who have learned mathematics using Multiple Intelligences based teaching model., to know the improvement of the mathematical problem solving ability of the student who have learned mathematics using cooperative learning; to know the attitude of the students to Multiple Intelligences based teaching model. The method employed here is quasi-experiment which is controlled by pre-test and post-test. The population of this research is all of VII grade in SMP Negeri 14 Bandung even-term 2013/2014, later on two classes of it were taken for the samples of this research. A class was taught using Multiple Intelligences based teaching model and the other one was taught using cooperative learning. The data of this research were gotten from the test in mathematical problem solving, scale questionnaire of the student attitudes, and observation. The results show the mathematical problem solving of the students who have learned mathematics using Multiple Intelligences based teaching model learning is higher than the student who have learned mathematics using cooperative learning, the mathematical problem solving ability of the student who have learned mathematics using cooperative learning and Multiple Intelligences based teaching model are in intermediate level, and the students showed the positive attitude in learning mathematics using Multiple Intelligences based teaching model. As for the recommendation for next author, Multiple Intelligences based teaching model can be tested on other subject and other ability.

Encouraging Students with Learning Disabilities: Emotional and Contextual Support Can Help Students Step toward Confidence and Success with Challenging Mathematics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hord, Casey; Marita, Samantha; Walsh, Jennifer B.; Tomaro, Taylor-Marie; Gordon, Kiyana

2016-01-01

When a student with a learning disability approaches you in class, in study hall, or after school and asks for help, do you wish you had more strategies to help her catch up in class? When a student with a learning disability needs to be pulled aside and given some one-on-one instruction, do you struggle to get him restarted after he has shut…

Teaching College Physics at the Local Elementary School

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hagedorn, Eric A.

2006-12-01

For several years physics faculty at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) have taught physics to pre-service elementary and middle school teachers in an unusual location: the local elementary school! The participating pre-service elementary and middle school teachers are typically in their last semester and are fully immersed in their internships (called "student teaching" elsewhere. See Fig. 1). Rather than bringing the students back to campus for class during four of their field semesters, UTEP sends education, mathematics, and physics faculty out to the schools as part of what is referred to as the "field-based program" (FBP) even though some of this program occurs on campus.

Building and Deploying Remotely Operated Vehicles in the First-Year Experience

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Brien-Gayes, A.; Fuss, K.; Gayes, P.

2007-12-01

Coastal Carolina University has committed to improving student retention and success in Mathematics and Science through a pilot program to engage first-year students in an applied and investigative project as part of the University's First-Year Experience (FYE). During the fall 2007 semester, five pilot sections of FYE classes, consisting of students from the College of Natural and Applied Sciences are building and deploying Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs). These ROV-based classes are designed to: accelerate exploration of the broad fields of science and mathematics; enlist interest in technology by engaging students in a multi-stepped, interdisciplinary problem solving experience; explore science and mathematical concepts; institute experiential learning; and build a culture of active learners to benefit student success across traditional departmental boundaries. Teams of three students (forty teams total) will build, based on the MIT Sea Perch design, and test ROVs in addition to collecting data with their ROVs. Various accessories attached to the vehicles for data collection will include temperature and light sensors, plankton nets and underwater cameras. The first-year students will then analyze the data, and the results will be documented as part of their capstone projects. Additionally, two launch days will take place on two campus ponds. Local middle and high school teachers and their students will be invited to observe this event. The teams of students with the most capable and successful ROVs will participate in a workshop held in November 2007 for regional elementary, middle and high school teachers. These students will give a presentation on the building of the ROVs and also provide a hands-on demonstration for the workshop participants. These activities will ensure an incorporation of service learning into the first semester of the freshmen experience. The desired outcomes of the ROV-based FYE classes are: increased retention at the postsecondary level in mathematics and science; increased student confidence to persevere through difficult courses by seeing the actual application of the science; greater self-esteem and self-efficacy through service learning; and engaging middle and high school students in mathematics and science. The innovative significance of the program is three fold: applying experiential learning through technology; integrating disciplines in a planned manner with consistent delivery; and creating an environment conducive to success.

Mathematizing Process of Junior High School Students to Improve Mathematics Literacy Refers PISA on RCP Learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wardono; Mariani, S.; Hendikawati, P.; Ikayani

2017-04-01

Mathematizing process (MP) is the process of modeling a phenomenon mathematically or establish the concept of a phenomenon. There are two mathematizing that is Mathematizing Horizontal (MH) and Mathematizing Vertical (MV). MH as events changes contextual problems into mathematical problems, while MV is the process of formulation of the problem into a variety of settlement mathematics by using some appropriate rules. Mathematics Literacy (ML) is the ability to formulate, implement and interpret mathematics in various contexts, including the capacity to perform reasoning mathematically and using the concepts, procedures, and facts to describe, explain or predict phenomena incident. If junior high school students are conditioned continuously to conduct mathematizing activities on RCP (RME-Card Problem) learning, it will be able to improve ML that refers PISA. The purpose of this research is to know the capability of the MP grade VIII on ML content shape and space with the matter of the cube and beams with RCP learning better than the scientific learning, upgrade MP grade VIII in the issue of the cube and beams with RCP learning better than the scientific learning in terms of cognitive styles reflective and impulsive the MP grade VIII with the approach of the RCP learning in terms of cognitive styles reflective and impulsive This research is the mixed methods model concurrent embedded. The population in this study, i.e., class VIII SMPN 1 Batang with sample two class. Data were taken with the observation, interviews, and tests and analyzed with a different test average of one party the right qualitative and descriptive. The results of this study demonstrate the capability of the MP student with RCP learning better than the scientific learning, upgrade MP with RCP learning better compare with scientific learning in term cognitive style of reflective and impulsive. The subject of the reflective group top, middle, and bottom can meet all the process of MH indicators are then the subject of the reflective upper and intermediate group can meet all the MV indicators but to lower groups can only fulfill some MV indicators. The subject is impulsive upper and middle group can meet all the MH indicators but to lower groups can only meet some MH indicator, then the subject is impulsive group can meet all the MV indicators but for middle and the bottom group can only fulfill some MV indicators.

Children’s visuospatial memory predicts mathematics achievement through early adolescence

PubMed Central

Li, Yaoran

2017-01-01

A previous study showed that gains in visuospatial memory from first to fifth grade predicted end-of-fifth grade mathematics but not reading achievement, controlling other factors. In this follow up study, these relations were assessed from sixth to ninth grade, inclusive (n = 145). The results showed that growth in visuospatial memory across the elementary school years was related to growth in mathematics achievement after fifth grade, controlling intelligence, the central executive and phonological memory components of working memory, in-class attentive behavior, parental education, and fifth grade mathematics achievement. As found for fifth grade, this relation was not found for reading achievement after fifth grade. In total, the results suggest that visuospatial memory has a unique influence on ease of learning some types of mathematics and that this influence becomes more important across successive grades. PMID:28192484

Children's visuospatial memory predicts mathematics achievement through early adolescence.

PubMed

Li, Yaoran; Geary, David C

2017-01-01

A previous study showed that gains in visuospatial memory from first to fifth grade predicted end-of-fifth grade mathematics but not reading achievement, controlling other factors. In this follow up study, these relations were assessed from sixth to ninth grade, inclusive (n = 145). The results showed that growth in visuospatial memory across the elementary school years was related to growth in mathematics achievement after fifth grade, controlling intelligence, the central executive and phonological memory components of working memory, in-class attentive behavior, parental education, and fifth grade mathematics achievement. As found for fifth grade, this relation was not found for reading achievement after fifth grade. In total, the results suggest that visuospatial memory has a unique influence on ease of learning some types of mathematics and that this influence becomes more important across successive grades.

Low back pain at school: unique risk deriving from unsatisfactory grade in maths and school-type recommendation.

PubMed

Erne, Cordula; Elfering, Achim

2011-12-01

Psychosocial stress and pain may relate to educational selection. At the end of primary school (International Standard Classification of Education: ISCED level 1) children are recommended for one of three performance-based lower secondary level types of school (ISCED level 2). The study examines the association of educational selection and other risk factors with pain in the upper back (UBP), lower back pain (LBP), peripheral (limb) pain (PP), and abdominal pain (AP). Teacher reports of unsatisfactory grades in mathematics, and official school-type recommendation are included as objective psychosocial risk factors. One hundred and ninety-two schoolchildren, aged between 10 and 13 from 11 classes of 7 schools in Switzerland participated in the cross-sectional study. In logistic regression analysis, predictor variables included age, sex, BMI, participation in sport, physical mobility, weight of satchel, hours of daily TV, video, and computer use, pupils' back pain reported by the mother and father, psychosocial strain, unsatisfactory grade in mathematics, and school-type recommendation. Analysis of pain drawings was highly reliable and revealed high prevalence rates of musculoskeletal pain in the last 4 weeks (UBP 15.3%, LBP 13:8%, PP 33.9%, AP 20.1%). Psychosocial risk factors were uniquely significant predictors of UBP (psychosocial strain), LBP (psychosocial strain, unsatisfactory grade in mathematics, school-type recommendation), and AP (school-type recommendation). In conclusion, selection in terms of educational school system was uniquely associated with LBP in schoolchildren. Stress caused by educational selection should be addressed in primary prevention of musculoskeletal pain in schoolchildren.

Interest in STEM is contagious for students in biology, chemistry, and physics classes

PubMed Central

Hazari, Zahra; Potvin, Geoff; Cribbs, Jennifer D.; Godwin, Allison; Scott, Tyler D.; Klotz, Leidy

2017-01-01

We report on a study of the effect of peers’ interest in high school biology, chemistry, and physics classes on students’ STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics)–related career intentions and course achievement. We define an interest quorum as a science class where students perceive a high level of interest for the subject matter from their classmates. We hypothesized that students who experience such an interest quorum are more likely to choose STEM careers. Using data from a national survey study of students‘ experiences in high school science, we compared the effect of five levels of peer interest reported in biology, chemistry, and physics courses on students‘ STEM career intentions. The results support our hypothesis, showing a strong, positive effect of an interest quorum even after controlling for differences between students that pose competing hypotheses such as previous STEM career interest, academic achievement, family support for mathematics and science, and gender. Smaller positive effects of interest quorums were observed for course performance in some cases, with no detrimental effects observed across the study. Last, significant effects persisted even after controlling for differences in teaching quality. This work emphasizes the likely importance of interest quorums for creating classroom environments that increase students’ intentions toward STEM careers while enhancing or maintaining course performance. PMID:28808678

Interest in STEM is contagious for students in biology, chemistry, and physics classes.

PubMed

Hazari, Zahra; Potvin, Geoff; Cribbs, Jennifer D; Godwin, Allison; Scott, Tyler D; Klotz, Leidy

2017-08-01

We report on a study of the effect of peers' interest in high school biology, chemistry, and physics classes on students' STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics)-related career intentions and course achievement. We define an interest quorum as a science class where students perceive a high level of interest for the subject matter from their classmates. We hypothesized that students who experience such an interest quorum are more likely to choose STEM careers. Using data from a national survey study of students' experiences in high school science, we compared the effect of five levels of peer interest reported in biology, chemistry, and physics courses on students' STEM career intentions. The results support our hypothesis, showing a strong, positive effect of an interest quorum even after controlling for differences between students that pose competing hypotheses such as previous STEM career interest, academic achievement, family support for mathematics and science, and gender. Smaller positive effects of interest quorums were observed for course performance in some cases, with no detrimental effects observed across the study. Last, significant effects persisted even after controlling for differences in teaching quality. This work emphasizes the likely importance of interest quorums for creating classroom environments that increase students' intentions toward STEM careers while enhancing or maintaining course performance.

Multidimensional assessment of self-regulated learning with middle school math students.

PubMed

Callan, Gregory L; Cleary, Timothy J

2018-03-01

This study examined the convergent and predictive validity of self-regulated learning (SRL) measures situated in mathematics. The sample included 100 eighth graders from a diverse, urban school district. Four measurement formats were examined including, 2 broad-based (i.e., self-report questionnaire and teacher ratings) and 2 task-specific measures (i.e., SRL microanalysis and behavioral traces). Convergent validity was examined across task-difficulty, and the predictive validity was examined across 3 mathematics outcomes: 2 measures of mathematical problem solving skill (i.e., practice session math problems, posttest math problems) and a global measure of mathematical skill (i.e., standardized math test). Correlation analyses were used to examine convergent validity and revealed medium correlations between measures within the same category (i.e., broad-based or task-specific). Relations between measurement classes were not statistically significant. Separate regressions examined the predictive validity of the SRL measures. While controlling all other predictors, a SRL microanalysis metacognitive-monitoring measure emerged as a significant predictor of all 3 outcomes and teacher ratings accounted for unique variance on 2 of the outcomes (i.e., posttest math problems and standardized math test). Results suggest that a multidimensional assessment approach should be considered by school psychologists interested in measuring SRL. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

The Art and Craft of Science

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Root-Bernstein, Robert; Root-Bernstein, Michele

2013-01-01

Walter Alvarez, a doctor and physiologist of some renown, decided to send his scientifically talented son, Luis, to an arts and crafts school where Luis took industrial drawing and woodworking instead of calculus. Luis Alvarez won the Nobel Prize in physics in 1968. Einstein was certainly not a standout in his mathematics and physics classes. Yet…

Creating a Third Space for Authentic Biculturalism: Examples from Math in a Cultural Context

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lipka, Jerry; Sharp, Nancy; Adams, Barbara; Sharp, Ferdinand

2007-01-01

"Tumaqcat" in the Yupiaq language literally means putting the pieces together. This case demonstrates how Ms. Nancy Sharp, a Yupiaq immersion teacher, seamlessly creates a classroom space that honors and adapts her home culture while she simultaneously meets school-based mathematical standards. Ms. Sharp's Yupiaq immersion class makes patterns…

The Didactical Contract Surrounding CAS When Changing Teachers in the Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jankvist, Uffe Thomas; Misfeldt, Morten; Marcussen, Anders

2016-01-01

The article discusses three empirical examples of Computer Algebra System (CAS) use in a Danish upper secondary school mathematics class that had experienced a recent change of teacher. All examples lead to didactical problems surrounding the situation and unclear expectations between teacher and students, involving loss of students' mathematical…

EVALUATION OF ROOSEVELT SUMMER DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM, 1967.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

RICHARDSON, JOY B.

THE FIRST PART OF THIS REPORT OF A SENATE BILL 28 DEMONSTRATION PROJECT DESCRIBES THE SUMMER JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM IN WHICH STUDENTS WERE OFFERED (1) LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION TO IMPROVE THEIR READING ACHIEVEMENT, (2) AN INNOVATIVE MATHEMATICS COURSE CONDUCTED BY THE "DISCOVERY METHOD," AND (3) SPANISH-ENGLISH LANGUAGE CLASSES TO ENABLE PUPILS OF…

Remembering Math: The Design of Digital Learning Objects to Spark Professional Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Halverson, Richard; Wolfenstein, Moses; Williams, Caroline C.; Rockman, Charles

2009-01-01

This article describes how the design of digital learning objects can spark professional learning. The challenge was to build learning objects that would help experienced special education teachers, who had been teaching in math classes, to demonstrate their proficiency in middle and secondary school mathematics on the PRAXIS examination. While…

Effects of Educational Productivity on Career Aspiration among United States High School Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wang, Jianjun; Ma, Xin

2001-01-01

Using structural equation modeling and data on 10th-grade students from the Longitudinal Study of American Youth, a model was developed to show the relationship to career aspiration of eight indicators of "educational productivity": mathematics achievement; motivation; instructional quantity and quality; home, class, and peer environment; and mass…

32 CFR 242.8 - Academic, intellectual, and personal requirements for admission to the first-year class.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... FOR THE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, UNIFORMED SERVICES UNIVERSITY OF THE HEALTH SCIENCES § 242.8 Academic... Medicine of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences is on a competitive basis, with...) Organic chemistry. 1 academic year including laboratory. (c) Mathematics. 1 academic year. (d) Physics. 1...

Classroom Composition and Racial Differences in Opportunities to Learn

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Minor, Elizabeth Covay

2015-01-01

Black and White advanced math students leave high school with disparate math skills. One possible explanation is that minority students are exposed to different learning opportunities, even when they are taking classes with the same title. Using a convenience sample of the Mathematics Survey of the Enacted Curriculum (SEC), this study found that…

System-Wide Improvement at the Instructional Core: Changing Reading Teaching in South Africa

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fleisch, Brahm

2016-01-01

The article describes the background to, and implementation of, the Gauteng Primary Language and Mathematics Strategy (GPLMS) in South Africa from 2010 to 2014--an initiative aimed at system-wide instructional improvement in the Global South. Working in over 1000 underperforming primary schools in poor- and working-class communities, the…

Urban Elementary Single-Sex Math Classrooms: Mitigating Stereotype Threat for African American Girls

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bowe, Anica G.; Desjardins, Christopher D.; Covington Clarkson, Lesa M.; Lawrenz, Frances

2017-01-01

This study utilized a mixed-methods approach to holistically examine single-sex and coeducational urban elementary mathematics classes through situated cognitive theory. Participants came from two urban low-income Midwestern elementary schools with a high representation of minority students (n = 77 sixth graders, n = 4 teachers, n = 2 principals).…

Students' Strategies Can Take Us off Guard

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Keiser, Jane M.

2012-01-01

An interesting change has been occurring in the author's middle school mathematics classes. Some students have become creative, free-thinking inventors. If they have had little experience with an operation, they invent strategies of their own. Sometimes these strategies have been well informed and supported by strong mental math skills and a good…

Engaging Contexts for the Game of Nim

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reeves, Charles A.; Gleichowski, Rosemarie Reeves

2007-01-01

Middle school teachers realize the value of students playing games in mathematics classes if those games emphasize problem-solving strategies, algebraic reasoning, or spatial sense. This article describes various versions of the traditional game of nim and shows how working backward can be used to find a winning strategy. The link is then made…

Effects of Student-Facilitated Learning on Instructional Facilitators

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bonner, Sarah M.; Somers, Jennifer A.; Rivera, Gwendelyn J.; Keiler, Leslie S.

2017-01-01

We investigated perceptions about learning strategy use and instructional roles among a sample of high needs adolescents (n = 230) who acted as near-peer instructional facilitators. The sample was drawn from science and mathematics classes in nonselective public secondary schools in New York City. Students participated in an inschool intervention…

Developing a Scale on the Usage of Learner Control Strategy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kutlu, M. Oguz

2012-01-01

The aim of this study was to develop a Likert-like scale in order to measure teachers' usage level of learner control strategy. This study was carried out with 219 State primary school teachers who were class teachers, Turkish teachers, English teachers, Mathematics teachers, Science teachers, Social Sciences teachers, Religion and Moral teachers…

Effect of Training in Math Metacognitive Strategy on Fractional Achievement of Nigerian Schoolchildren

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Onu, V. C.; Eskay, M.; Igbo, J. N.; Obiyo, N.; Agbo, O.

2012-01-01

This study examined the effect of training in math metacognition on fractional mathematics among primary school pupils, with a quasi-experimental design, specifically a post-test only control group design. Two intact classes were randomly selected and assigned to treatment and control conditions. Sixty primary six pupils constituted the sample…

Project SEED. What Works Clearinghouse Intervention Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

What Works Clearinghouse, 2012

2012-01-01

"Project SEED" is a supplemental mathematics program for low-achieving students in grades 3 through 8 and is intended to prepare students to be successful in high school and college math. Based on the Socratic method, instruction is delivered through a series of questions to the class. In addition to individual responses, the instructor…

GeoGebra in a Geography Class

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Herceg, Ðorde; Herceg-Mandic, Vera

2013-01-01

Certain secondary school subjects, such as geography, contain topics which are based on mathematical concepts. However, some geography teachers either fail to recognize this connection or choose to ignore it when they teach. Instead, they present the subject matter as a collection of facts, which need to be memorized and reproduced by the pupils.…

Full Time Gifted Child Education in a Boys Only Elementary School.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alston, Ken

1988-01-01

Described is a South African program in which gifted boys, aged 12-14, were combined into a single class. The program included accelerated learning; formal examinations only in English, Afrikaans, and mathematics; and development of social relationships. Questionnaires completed by 30 students, parents, and siblings identified the program's…

An Analysis of Grade 4 Teachers' Mathematical Instructional Strategies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilson-Patrick, Dedra

2016-01-01

The standardized math test scores of approximately 48 African American and Hispanic students from 4 different classes at a rural Title I elementary school located in the southern United States decreased by 10 points on the Palmetto Assessment of State Standards Test. For this qualitative case study, purposive sampling was used to recruit four…

Teaching Geometry through Problem-Based Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schettino, Carmel

2011-01-01

About seven years ago, the mathematics teachers at the author's secondary school came to the conclusion that they were not satisfied with their rather traditional geometry textbook. The author had already begun using a problem-based approach to teaching geometry in her classes, a transition for her and her students that inspired her to write about…

Who (Else) Is the Teacher? Cautionary Notes on Teacher Accountability Systems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Valli, Linda; Croninger, Robert G.; Walters, Kirk

2007-01-01

This article examines a premise underlying teacher accountability policies, namely, that annual student learning gains can be attributed to individual teachers. After analyzing data collected in fourth- and fifth-grade reading and mathematics classes in 18 schools, the authors identify forms of instructional design that rely on multiple teachers.…

Mathematicians in Schools: Uncovering Maths' Beautiful Secrets

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Welch, Bronwyn

2016-01-01

Mathematics professionals are working with teachers revealing the reality and beauty that happens in the world of math and to show that this is essentially a "human endeavour," embedded in much of what people do and the ways in which they think. In this article, the author shares vignettes of primary classes working with mathematicians…

Diagnostic Competence of Primary School Mathematics Teachers during Classroom Situations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hoth, Jessica; Döhrmann, Martina; Kaiser, Gabriele; Busse, Andreas; König, Johannes; Blömeke, Sigrid

2016-01-01

One of the main challenges for teachers during teaching in class is the diagnosis of students' learning and thinking processes. For this purpose, teachers must perceive relevant information, they need to interpret this information and finally, they need to respond and select suitable opportunities to learn. In this paper, diagnostic processes in…

Classroom Environment and Student Outcomes Associated with Using Anthropometry Activities in High School Science.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lightburn, Millard E.; Fraser, Barry J.

The study involved implementing and evaluating activities that actively engage students in the process of gathering, processing and analyzing data derived from human body measurements, with students using their prior knowledge acquired in science, mathematics, and computer classes to interpret this information. In the classroom activities…

Slow Learner Errors Analysis in Solving Fractions Problems in Inclusive Junior High School Class

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Novitasari, N.; Lukito, A.; Ekawati, R.

2018-01-01

A slow learner whose IQ is between 71 and 89 will have difficulties in solving mathematics problems that often lead to errors. The errors could be analyzed to where the errors may occur and its type. This research is qualitative descriptive which aims to describe the locations, types, and causes of slow learner errors in the inclusive junior high school class in solving the fraction problem. The subject of this research is one slow learner of seventh-grade student which was selected through direct observation by the researcher and through discussion with mathematics teacher and special tutor which handles the slow learner students. Data collection methods used in this study are written tasks and semistructured interviews. The collected data was analyzed by Newman’s Error Analysis (NEA). Results show that there are four locations of errors, namely comprehension, transformation, process skills, and encoding errors. There are four types of errors, such as concept, principle, algorithm, and counting errors. The results of this error analysis will help teachers to identify the causes of the errors made by the slow learner.

Six to Ten Digits Multiplication Fun Learning Using Puppet Prototype

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Islamiah Rosli, D.'oria; Ali, Azita; Peng, Lim Soo; Sujardi, Imam; Usodo, Budi; Adie Perdana, Fengky

2017-01-01

Logic and technical subjects require students to understand basic knowledge in mathematic. For instance, addition, minus, division and multiplication operations need to be mastered by students due to mathematic complexity as the learning mathematic grows higher. Weak foundation in mathematic also contribute to high failure rate in mathematic subjects in schools. In fact, students in primary schools are struggling to learn mathematic because they need to memorize formulas, multiplication or division operations. To date, this study will develop a puppet prototyping for learning mathematic for six to ten digits multiplication. Ten participants involved in the process of developing the prototype in this study. Students involved in the study were those from the intermediate class students whilst teachers were selected based on their vast knowledge and experiences and have more than five years of experience in teaching mathematic. Close participatory analysis will be used in the prototyping process as to fulfil the requirements of the students and teachers whom will use the puppet in learning six to ten digit multiplication in mathematic. Findings showed that, the students had a great time and fun learning experience in learning multiplication and they able to understand the concept of multiplication using puppet. Colour and materials of the puppet also help to attract student attention during learning. Additionally, students able to visualized and able to calculate accurate multiplication value and the puppet help them to recall in multiplying and adding the digits accordingly.

Using "Flatland 2: Sphereland" to Help Teach Motion and Multiple Dimensions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caplan, Seth; Johnson, Dano; Vondracek, Mark

2015-01-01

The 1884 book Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions,1 written by Edwin Abbott, has captured the interest of numerous generations, and has also been used in schools to help students learn and think about the concept of dimension in a creative, fun way. In 2007, a film was released called "Flatland: The Movie,"2 and over one million students have watched it worldwide, primarily in mathematics classes. Since then, a sequel to the "Flatland" movie was released in 2012, entitled "Flatland 2: Sphereland."3 A primary goal of this sequel is to expand the use of the movie beyond mathematics classes and into physics classes because a central premise to "Sphereland" is the notion of warped space. This latest movie provides an engaging and interesting visual way for students to think about both dimension and motion through warped space. In addition, basic motion concepts such as speed and acceleration can be studied by students in introductory physics classes, for instance, by using frame-by-frame analysis of various scenes in the movie.

Indigenous students transitioning to school: responses to pre-foundational mathematics.

PubMed

Sarra, Grace; Ewing, Bronwyn

2014-01-01

Australian Indigenous students' mathematics performance continues to be below that of non-Indigenous students. This occurs from the early years of school, due largely to knowledge and social differences on entry to formal schooling. This paper reports on a mathematics research project conducted in one Aboriginal community school in New South Wales, Australia. The project aimed to identify and explain the ways that young Australian Indigenous students (age 2-4 years) learn number language and processes, specifically attribute language, sorting, 1-1 correspondence and, counting. The project adopted a mixed methods approach. That is, the methodology was decolonising (Smith 1999) in that it collaborated with and gave benefit back to the Indigenous community and school being researched. It was qualitative and interpretative (Burns 2000) and incorporated an action-research teaching-experiment approach where and teachers collaborated with the researchers to try new teaching methods. This paper draws on data pertaining to students' response to diagnostic interview questions, the pre- and post-test results of the interview and photographic evidence as observations during mathematics learning time. Participants referred to in this paper include one female principal (N = 1), and the transition class of students' pre- (N = 6) and post-test (N = 3) results of the pre-foundational processes (also referred to as attributes). The results were encouraging with improvements in colour (34%), patterns (33%) and capacity (38%). As a result of this project, our epistemology regarding the importance of finding out about students' pre-foundational knowledge and understandings and providing a culturally appropriate learning environment with resources has been built upon.

Reading Stories to Learn Math: Mathematics Vocabulary Instruction for Children with Early Numeracy Difficulties.

PubMed

Hassinger-Das, Brenna; Jordan, Nancy C; Dyson, Nancy

2015-12-01

The present study involved examining whether a storybook reading intervention targeting mathematics vocabulary, such as "equal," "more," and "less," and associated number concepts would increase at-risk children's vocabulary knowledge and number competencies. Children with early numeracy difficulties (N = 124) were recruited from kindergarten classes in four schools. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a storybook number competencies (SNC) intervention, a number sense intervention, or a business-as-usual control. Interventions were carried out in groups of four children over 8 weeks (24 thirty-minute sessions). Findings demonstrated that the SNC intervention group outperformed the other groups on measures of mathematics vocabulary, both in terms of words that were closely aligned to the intervention and those that were not. There was no effect of the SNC intervention, however, on general mathematics measures, suggesting a need to provide the mathematics vocabulary work along with more intensive instruction in number concepts.

A Report on the Present Status of Engineering Mathematics Test (EMaT)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watanabe, Toshimasa; Takafuji, Daisuke

The aim of Engineering Mathematics Test (EMaT) is to make sure what essentials in curriculum of Engineering Mathematics is, and to assess university students’ core academic competence and achievement of Engineering Mathematics, helping assurance of students’ academic ability. It is useful for professors to evaluate teaching effect of the classes, and this evaluation would help them improve curricula. Scores can be available for both graduate school entrance examinations and employment tests, leading to selecting persons with basic academic ability in Engineering Mathematics. The scope includes fundamentals in Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, and Probability and Statistics. It is open to all students free of charge, and is annually given once in December. In 2007, 2,396 students from 35 universities took EMaT, and the total number of students who have taken EMaT in these 5 years is 6,240.

Cumulative advantages and the emergence of social and ethnic inequality: Matthew effects in reading and mathematics development within elementary schools?

PubMed

Baumert, Jürgen; Nagy, Gabriel; Lehmann, Rainer

2012-01-01

This article examines the development of social and ethnic disparities in academic achievement in elementary schooling. It investigated whether reading and mathematics development in 136 mixed-ability classes shows path-dependent processes of cumulative advantage (Matthew effects) from Grades 4 to 6 (Grade 4 mean age = 10.62, SD = 0.57) resulting in growing inequality. Status-dependent processes of cumulative advantage, their interaction with path-dependent processes, and consequences for the degree of social and ethnic inequality are examined. Two complementary methods for analyzing multilevel data are used: growth curve and quasi-simplex models. No evidence for a Matthew effect was found in either domain. A compensation effect emerged for reading, to the benefit of ethnic minorities. A fan-spread effect was found for mathematics, partly attributable to status-dependent processes of cumulative advantage. © 2012 The Authors. Child Development © 2012 Society for Research in Child Development, Inc.

The role of heterogeneity in contact timing and duration in network models of influenza spread in schools

PubMed Central

Toth, Damon J. A.; Leecaster, Molly; Pettey, Warren B. P.; Gundlapalli, Adi V.; Gao, Hongjiang; Rainey, Jeanette J.; Uzicanin, Amra; Samore, Matthew H.

2015-01-01

Influenza poses a significant health threat to children, and schools may play a critical role in community outbreaks. Mathematical outbreak models require assumptions about contact rates and patterns among students, but the level of temporal granularity required to produce reliable results is unclear. We collected objective contact data from students aged 5–14 at an elementary school and middle school in the state of Utah, USA, and paired those data with a novel, data-based model of influenza transmission in schools. Our simulations produced within-school transmission averages consistent with published estimates. We compared simulated outbreaks over the full resolution dynamic network with simulations on networks with averaged representations of contact timing and duration. For both schools, averaging the timing of contacts over one or two school days caused average outbreak sizes to increase by 1–8%. Averaging both contact timing and pairwise contact durations caused average outbreak sizes to increase by 10% at the middle school and 72% at the elementary school. Averaging contact durations separately across within-class and between-class contacts reduced the increase for the elementary school to 5%. Thus, the effect of ignoring details about contact timing and duration in school contact networks on outbreak size modelling can vary across different schools. PMID:26063821

Mathematics understanding and anxiety in collaborative teaching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ansari, B. I.; Wahyu, N.

2017-12-01

This study aims to examine students’ mathematical understanding and anxiety using collaborative teaching. The sample consists of 51 students in the 7th-grade of MTs N Jeureula, one of the Islamic public junior high schools in Jeureula, Aceh, Indonesia. A test of mathematics understanding was administered to the students twice during the period of two months. The result suggests that there is a significant increase in mathematical understanding in the pre-test and post-test. We categorized the students into the high, intermediate, and low level of prior mathematics knowledge. In the high-level prior knowledge, there is no difference of mathematical understanding between the experiment and control group. Meanwhile, in the intermediate and low level of prior knowledge, there is a significant difference of mathematical understanding between the experiment and control group. The mathematics anxiety is at an intermediate level in the experiment class and at a high level in the control group. There is no interaction between the learning model and the students’ prior knowledge towards the mathematical understanding, but there are interactions towards the mathematics anxiety. It indicates that the collaborative teaching model and the students’ prior knowledge do not simultaneously impacts on the mathematics understanding but the mathematics anxiety.

Contributing Factors to Student Success in Anatomy and Physiology: Lower outside Workload and Better Preparation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harris, David E.; Hannum, Lynn; Gupta, Sat

2004-01-01

A study of students of a traditional two-semester Anatomy and Physiology class was made to determine factors that contributed to success in the coursework. The test established a co-relation between the amount of study in mathematics and science done previously in school and final grades in the subject.

How Does the "Digital Generation" Get Help on Their Mathematics Homework?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van de Sande, Carla; Boggess, May; Hart-Weber, Catherine

2013-01-01

Homework is a daily activity for at least twelve years of most students' school experience, and every assignment requires the time, energy, and emotional engagement of all those involved. Traditionally, students seeking homework help could refer to their class notes and textbooks, or ask their friends, tutors, and, perhaps, as last resort, their…

Authoritative Parenting, Parental Scaffolding of Long-Division Mathematics, and Children's Academic Competence in Fourth Grade

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mattanah, J.F.; Pratt, M.W.; Cowan, P.A.; Cowan, C.P.

2005-01-01

The current study examined the relationships among authoritative parenting, parental scaffolding of long-division math problems, and children's academic competence. In a sample of 70 two-parent middle class families participating in a longitudinal study on the transition to school, authoritative parenting was assessed globally at the beginning of…

Academic Music: Music Instruction to Engage Third-Grade Students in Learning Basic Fraction Concepts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Courey, Susan Joan; Balogh, Endre; Siker, Jody Rebecca; Paik, Jae

2012-01-01

This study examined the effects of an academic music intervention on conceptual understanding of music notation, fraction symbols, fraction size, and equivalency of third graders from a multicultural, mixed socio-economic public school setting. Students (N = 67) were assigned by class to their general education mathematics program or to receive…

Frame of Reference Effects on Values in Mathematics: Evidence from German Secondary School Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cambria, Jenna; Brandt, Holger; Nagengast, Benjamin; Trautwein, Ulrich

2017-01-01

Expectancy-value theory of achievement motivation identifies two classes of beliefs that are important predictors of educational choices and achievement: expectancies and values. It is well known that high achieving peers can have a negative impact on self-concept and other measures of expected success: holding individual achievement constant,…

The Sweet Taste of Spring: An Integrated Approach to a Springtime Phenomenon.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jones, Heather; Bullock, Rodger

A visit to a maple sugar bush has become a traditional springtime ritual for many school classes in northern areas. The sensations and experiences from this early springtime activity can be used for a number of study areas, including science, mathematics, art, social studies, home economics, language arts and health. This document provides…

Academic Attributes of College Freshmen that Lead to Success in Actuarial Studies in a Business College

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Richard Manning; Schumacher, Phyllis

2006-01-01

The authors studied beginning undergraduate actuarial concentrators in a business college. They identified four variables (math Scholastic Aptitude Test [SAT] score, verbal SAT score, percentile rank in high school graduating class, and percentage score on a college mathematics placement exam) that were available for entering college students that…

Trash Conflicts: A Science and Social Studies Curriculum on the Ethics of Disposal. An Interdisciplinary Curriculum.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ballin, Amy; And Others

Designed for middle school science and social studies classes, this document is a curriculum on waste disposal. Mathematics and language skills also are incorporated into many of the activities. In the study of trash disposal, science students benefit from understanding the social issues related to the problem. Social studies students need…

The use of concrete learning objects taken from the history of mathematics in mathematics education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bütüner, Suphi Önder

2016-11-01

This study aimed to reveal the effects of teaching with concrete learning objects taken from the history of mathematics on student achievement. Being a quasi-experimental study, it was conducted with two grade 8 classes in a secondary school located in Trabzon. The experimental group consisted of 27 students and the control group consisted of 25. Data were collected by using worksheets, an achievement exam and written opinion forms. The data from the achievement exam were analysed by using the Mann-Whitney U-test while the data from written opinion forms were analysed through content analysis. The Mann-Whitney U-test results showed a significant difference between the mean ranks of the experimental and control groups in favour of the former. Findings from the written opinion forms suggested that the students found the activities to be instructive and fun, enjoyed using concrete models in their classes, and learned from discovering the rules. It was also found that students had previously not engaged in similar activities and had only experienced the history of mathematics through the life stories and works of mathematicians and the representation of ancient numbers at the beginning of each unit.

Reflection on Cuboid Net with Mathematical Learning Quality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sari, Atikah; Suryadi, Didi; Syaodih, Ernawulan

2017-09-01

This research aims to formulate an alternative to the reflection in mathematics learning activities related to the activities of the professionalism of teachers motivated by a desire to improve the quality of learning. This study is a qualitative study using the Didactical Design research. This study was conducted in one of the elementary schools. The data collection techniques are triangulation with the research subject is teacher 5th grade. The results of this study indicate that through deep reflection, teachers can design learning design in accordance with the conditions of the class. Also revealed that teachers have difficulty in choosing methods of learning and contextual learning media. Based on the implementation of activities of reflection and make the learning design based on the results of reflection can be concluded that the quality of learning in the class will develop.

Ability grouping of gifted students: effects on academic self-concept and boredom.

PubMed

Preckel, Franzis; Götz, Thomas; Frenzel, Anne

2010-09-01

Securing appropriate challenge or preventing boredom is one of the reasons frequently used to justify ability grouping of gifted students, which has been shown to have beneficial effects for achievement. On the other hand, critics stress psychosocial costs, such as detrimental effects on academic self-concept (contrast or big-fish-little-pond effect). The effects of full-time ability grouping in special classrooms for the gifted on students' academic self-concept and their experience of boredom in mathematics classes were investigated. The sample comprised 186 ninth-grade students (106 male) from eight classes at one Austrian high school. Four of these classes were part of a gifted track beginning from school year 9 on (N=93). Students were assessed repeatedly within the first half of the school year, three times via self-report questionnaires and once by applying a standardized IQ-test. Students in gifted classes reported a decrease in maths academic self-concept which was most pronounced early in the academic year. Interventions to counterbalance the negative effect of exposure to a high-ability reference group should therefore be implemented when ability grouping begins. No evidence for the boredom hypothesis was found (higher levels of boredom among gifted students in regular classes). However, students clearly differed in the reasons they stated for experiencing boredom. Boredom attributions changed over time and supported the assumption that gifted classes provide more appropriate levels of challenge.

Instructor Facilitation of Whole-Class Discussion in Two Mathematics Classes for Preservice Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Young, Sarah Helen

2014-01-01

This study investigated how instructors engage preservice teachers (PSTs) in whole-class discussion in mathematics classes for PSTs. Participating in discussions of mathematical ideas by explaining mathematical ideas to others and responding to others' ideas and arguments might be beneficial for PSTs both to help them develop deeper knowledge of…

The effect of mathematical model development on the instruction of acceleration to introductory physics students

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sauer, Tim Allen

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of utilizing student constructed theoretical math models when teaching acceleration to high school introductory physics students. The goal of the study was for the students to be able to utilize mathematical modeling strategies to improve their problem solving skills, as well as their standardized scientific and conceptual understanding. This study was based on mathematical modeling research, conceptual change research and constructivist theory of learning, all of which suggest that mathematical modeling is an effective way to influence students' conceptual connectiveness and sense making of formulaic equations and problem solving. A total of 48 students in two sections of high school introductory physics classes received constructivist, inquiry-based, cooperative learning, and conceptual change-oriented instruction. The difference in the instruction for the 24 students in the mathematical modeling treatment group was that they constructed every formula they needed to solve problems from data they collected. In contrast, the instructional design for the control group of 24 students allowed the same instruction with assigned problems solved with formulas given to them without explanation. The results indicated that the mathematical modeling students were able to solve less familiar and more complicated problems with greater confidence and mental flexibility than the control group students. The mathematical modeling group maintained fewer alternative conceptions consistently in the interviews than did the control group. The implications for acceleration instruction from these results were discussed.

High-Ability Grouping: Benefits for Gifted Students' Achievement Development Without Costs in Academic Self-Concept.

PubMed

Preckel, Franzis; Schmidt, Isabelle; Stumpf, Eva; Motschenbacher, Monika; Vogl, Katharina; Scherrer, Vsevolod; Schneider, Wolfgang

2017-11-23

Effects of full-time ability grouping on students' academic self-concept (ASC) and mathematics achievement were investigated in the first 3 years of secondary school (four waves of measurement; students' average age at first wave: 10.5 years). Students were primarily from middle and upper class families living in southern Germany. The study sample comprised 148 (60% male) students from 14 gifted classes and 148 (57% male) students from 25 regular classes (matched by propensity score matching). Data analyses involved multilevel and latent growth curve analyses. Findings revealed no evidence for contrast effects of class-average achievement or assimilation effects of class type on students' ASC. ASC remained stable over time. Students in gifted classes showed higher achievement gains than students in regular classes. © 2017 The Authors. Child Development © 2017 Society for Research in Child Development, Inc.

The Astrobiology in Secondary Classrooms (ASC) curriculum: focusing upon diverse students and teachers.

PubMed

Arino de la Rubia, Leigh S

2012-09-01

The Minority Institution Astrobiology Collaborative (MIAC) began working with the NASA Goddard Center for Astrobiology in 2003 to develop curriculum materials for high school chemistry and Earth science classes based on astrobiology concepts. The Astrobiology in Secondary Classrooms (ASC) modules emphasize interdisciplinary connections in astronomy, biology, chemistry, geoscience, physics, mathematics, and ethics through hands-on activities that address national educational standards. Field-testing of the Astrobiology in Secondary Classrooms materials occurred over three years in eight U.S. locations, each with populations that are underrepresented in the career fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Analysis of the educational research upon the high school students participating in the ASC project showed statistically significant increases in students' perceived knowledge and science reasoning. The curriculum is in its final stages, preparing for review to become a NASA educational product.

Examining the Impact of Chess Instruction for the Visual Impairment on Mathematics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aydin, Mensure

2015-01-01

The purpose of the study is to explore the impact of chess instruction for visually impaired children on math achievement. The study group consists of a total of 26 visually impaired students from inclusion classes in inclusive secondary schools of MoNE (Ministry of National Education), 9 male and 5 female students in the experiment group and 8…

[Geometry Through Symmetry, Cambridge Conference on School Mathematics Feasibility Study No. 32.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Friedman, Bernard

These materials were written for the use of a class of eighth grade high ability students in a four week course sponsored by Educational Services Incorporated on the Stanford campus. They represent a practical response to the proposal by the Cambridge Conference of 1963 that geometry be taught by vector space methods. Instead of using vector…

Diagnostic-Prescriptive Teaching of Mathematics: A Historical Overview.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fischer, Florence E.

Interest in educating individuals, rather than classes, began in the time of the Greeks, but has escalated in the last century. As more and more students stay in school longer and longer, teachers have had to adjust their teaching to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student body. One method of attending to the needs of individuals is to…

Improving English Language Arts and Mathematics Teachers' Capabilities for Teaching Integrated Information Literacy Skills

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ballard, Kevin

2013-01-01

Teachers in a large Illinois suburban school district will soon have to integrate the teaching of the Common Core State Standards into their content classes and may not feel prepared to do this effectively. Stephenson's definition of capability was used as the conceptual framework for this study, which holds that capable teachers are those who…

Guided Occupational Training. A Vocational Work Experience Program for Intellectually Limited and Educationally Handicapped Students. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

New York State Education Dept., Albany. Bureau of Occupational Education Research.

Twenty-four intellectually limited and educationally handicapped 10th grade students participated in the first year of the Guided Occupational Training program of the Oceanside Senior High School. An academic core of English, citizenship, and mathematics was blended with classes in one of the following areas: (1) business education and office…

A Mixed-Methods Explanatory Study of the Failure Rate for Freshman STEM Calculus Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Worthley, Mary R.; Gloeckner, Gene W.; Kennedy, Paul A.

2016-01-01

In this study we aimed to understand who was struggling in freshman calculus courses, and why. Concentrating on the Fall sections of the class, the best predictors for success (R[superscript 2] = 0.4) were placement test results, the student's own appraisal of the quality of mathematics teaching they received in high school, and the Motivated…

Students' Experiences of the Implementation of an Interactive Learning System in Their Eighth Grade Mathematics Classes: An Exploratory Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

FitzPatrick, Sarah B.

During the last decade, United States K-12 schools have approximately tripled their spending on increasingly powerful computers, and have expanded network access and novel computer applications. The number of questions being asked by educators, policymakers, and the general public about the extent to which students are using these educational…

Regard pluriel sur l'enseignement et l'apprentissage des mathematiques a l'ecole primaire.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lopez, Lucie Mottier

The texts gathered in this document come from work done in the framework of two postgraduate courses at the Faculte des Sciences de l'Education, Geneva: (1) "Learning: Meta-cognitive et socio-cognitive dimensions" course; and (2) "Didactical analysis of the interactions in class: Case study of mathematics at school" course. The problematics dealt…

An Exploratory Study of the Implementation of an Interactive Learning System in Two Eighth Grade Mathematics Classes.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

FitzPatrick, Sarah B.; Faux, Russell

During the last decade, U.S. K-12 schools have approximately tripled their spending on increasingly powerful computers, expanded network access, and novel computer applications. The number of questions being asked by educators, policymakers, and the general public about the extent to which these technologies are being used in classrooms, for what…

Family Science Night: Changing Perceptions One Family at a Time

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pesnell, W. D.; Drobnes, E.; Mitchell, S.; Colina-Trujillo, M.

2007-01-01

If students are not encouraged to succeed in science, mathematics, and technology classes at school, efforts to improve the quality of content and teaching in these subjects may be futile. Parents and families are in a unique position to encourage children to enroll and achieve in these classes. The NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Family Science Night program invites middle school students and their families to explore the importance of science and technology in our daily lives by providing a venue for families to comfortably engage in learning activities that change their perception and understanding of science - making it more practical and approachable for participants of all ages. Family Science Night strives to change the way that students and their families participate in science, within the program and beyond.

Caring teaching practices in multiethnic mathematics classrooms: attending to health and well-being

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Averill, Robin

2012-06-01

Factors that contribute to strong teacher-student relationships are vital to understand because of the influence these relationships have on achievement and motivation, particularly for minority group students. This article draws from a substantial quantity of empirical data, grounded in a wide theoretical and cultural base, regarding aspects of caring teacher practice to discuss mathematics teacher behaviours in relation to an existing model of health and well-being that encompasses cognitive, social, spiritual, and physical dimensions. Drawing from 100 Year 10 mathematics lesson observations involving six teachers and their classes across three urban schools, evidence emerged that for many indigenous (Māori), New Zealand Pacific, and New Zealand European students, caring teacher behaviours important for student engagement and achievement both include, and range beyond, traditional teaching practices. Examples include capitalising on student reactions and shared endeavours within the context of mathematics learning, expecting mathematical progress, showing respect for students and for their mathematics learning, being explicit about practice and expectations, incorporating one-to-one interactions, making opportunities within mathematics learning for sharing personal identities, and incorporating movement. This research illustrates how mathematics educators can attend to the specific and holistic mathematical learning needs of their students, including those often marginalised.

Measurement of Usability for Multimedia Interactive Learning Based on Website in Mathematics for SMK

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sukardjo, Moch.; Sugiyanta, Lipur

2018-04-01

Web usability, if evaluation done correctly, can significantly improve the quality of the website. Website containing multimedia for education shoud apply user interfaces that are both easy to learn and easy to use. Multimedia has big role in changing the mindset of a person in learning. Using multimedia, learners get easy to obtain information, adjust information and empower information. Therefore, multimedia is utilized by teachers in developing learning techniques to improve student learning outcomes. For students with self-directed learning, multimedia provides the ease and completeness of the courses in such a way that students can complete the learning independently both at school and at home without the guidance of teachers. The learning independence takes place in how students choose, absorb information, and follow the evaluation quickly and efficiently. The 2013 Curriculum 2013 for Vocational High School (SMK) requires teachers to create engaging teaching and learning activities that students enjoy in the classroom (also called invitation learning environment). The creation of learning activity environment is still problem for most teachers. Various researches reveal that teaching and learning activities will be more effective and easy when assisted by visual tools. Using multimedia, learning material can be presented more attractively that help students understand the material easily. The opposite is found in the learning activity environment who only rely on ordinary lectures. Usability is a quality level of multimedia with easy to learn, easy to use and encourages users to use it. The website Multimedia Interactive Learning for Mathematics SMK Class X is targeted object. Usability website in Multimedia Interactive Learning for Mathematics SMK Class X is important indicators to measure effectiveness, efficiency, and student satisfaction to access the functionality of website. This usability measurement should be done carefully before the design is implemented thoroughly. The only way to get test with high quality results is to start testing at the beginning of the design process and continuously testing each of the next steps. This research performs usability testing on of website by using WAMMI criterion (Website Analysis and Measurement Inventory) and will be focused on how convenience using the website application. Components of Attractiveness, Controllability, Efficiency, Helpfulness, and Learnability are applied. The website in Multimedia Interactive Learning for Mathematics SMK Class X can be in accordance with the purpose to be accepted by student to improve student learning outcomes. The results show that WAMMI method show the usability value of Multimedia Mathematics SMK Class X is about from 70% to 90%.

Improving students’ mathematical representational ability through RME-based progressive mathematization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Warsito; Darhim; Herman, T.

2018-01-01

This study aims to determine the differences in the improving of mathematical representation ability based on progressive mathematization with realistic mathematics education (PMR-MP) with conventional learning approach (PB). The method of research is quasi-experiments with non-equivalent control group designs. The study population is all students of class VIII SMPN 2 Tangerang consisting of 6 classes, while the sample was taken two classes with purposive sampling technique. The experimental class is treated with PMR-MP while the control class is treated with PB. The instruments used are test of mathematical representation ability. Data analysis was done by t-test, ANOVA test, post hoc test, and descriptive analysis. The result of analysis can be concluded that: 1) there are differences of mathematical representation ability improvement between students treated by PMR-MP and PB, 2) no interaction between learning approach (PMR-MP, PB) and prior mathematics knowledge (PAM) to improve students’ mathematical representation; 3) Students’ mathematical representation improvement in the level of higher PAM is better than medium, and low PAM students. Thus, based on the process of mathematization, it is very important when the learning direction of PMR-MP emphasizes on the process of building mathematics through a mathematical model.

Middle school students' attitudes toward math and STEM career interests: A 4-year follow-up study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schneider, Madalyn R.

The purpose of the current study is to examine middle school students' attitudes toward math, intent to pursue STEM-related education and occupations, and STEM interest from middle school to high school. The data used in this study are from a larger, on-going National Science Foundation (NSF) grant-funded study that is investigating middle school students' disengagement while using the Assistments system (Baker, Heffernan & San Pedro, 2012), a computer-based math tutoring system. The NSF grant study aims to explore how disengagement with STEM material can aid in the prediction of students' college enrollment as well as how it may interact with other factors affecting students' career choices (San Pedro, Baker, Bowers, Heffernan, 2013). Participants are students from urban and suburban schools in Massachusetts measured first in middle school and again four years later. Measures at Time 1 included: various items related to attitudes toward mathematics, occupations they could see themselves doing as adults, and the Brief Self-Control Scale (Tangney, Baumeister, & Luzio Boone, 2004). Measures at Time 2 included: items requesting the students' current mathematics and science courses and intended majors or occupations following high school graduation. Exploratory factor analysis, multiple regression and logistic regression analyses were used to test the following four hypotheses: I. There will be several distinct factors that emerge to provide information about middle school students' attitudes toward math; II. Students' attitudes toward math will correlate positively and significantly with students' intent to pursue STEM-related careers at Time 1 with a medium effect; III. Middle school attitudes toward mathematics will relate positively and significantly to level of high school mathematics and science courses with a medium effect; IV. Middle school intent to pursue STEM will correlate positively and significantly with high school intent to pursue STEM majors/careers with a medium effect. Results supported a 2-factor model of Attitudes toward Mathematics consisting of Math Self-Concept and Attitudes toward Assistments. Other significant findings include: a positive relationship between students' Attitudes toward Assistments and level of math class taken in high school; a positive relationship between students' Math Self-Concept and Self Control; a positive relationship between Self Control and students' endorsement of STEM careers while in middle school, and discrepancy between male and female students' endorsement of STEM careers as early as middle school. Although many of the study's primary hypotheses were not supported, the present study provides a framework and baseline for several important considerations. Limitations, including those related to the present study's small sample size, and future implications of the present study, which add to career development literature in STEM, are discussed in regard to both research and practice. Keywords: career development, middle school, attitudes, math, STEM, self-concept

Reading Stories to Learn Math: Mathematics Vocabulary Instruction for Children with Early Numeracy Difficulties

PubMed Central

Hassinger-Das, Brenna; Jordan, Nancy C.; Dyson, Nancy

2015-01-01

The present study involved examining whether a storybook reading intervention targeting mathematics vocabulary, such as “equal,” “more,” and “less,” and associated number concepts would increase at-risk children’s vocabulary knowledge and number competencies. Children with early numeracy difficulties (N = 124) were recruited from kindergarten classes in four schools. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a storybook number competencies (SNC) intervention, a number sense intervention, or a business-as-usual control. Interventions were carried out in groups of four children over 8 weeks (24 thirty-minute sessions). Findings demonstrated that the SNC intervention group outperformed the other groups on measures of mathematics vocabulary, both in terms of words that were closely aligned to the intervention and those that were not. There was no effect of the SNC intervention, however, on general mathematics measures, suggesting a need to provide the mathematics vocabulary work along with more intensive instruction in number concepts. PMID:26726261

Conceptualizing "Homework" in Flipped Mathematics Classes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

de Araujo, Zandra; Otten, Samuel; Birisci, Salih

2017-01-01

Flipped instruction is becoming more common in the United States, particularly in mathematics classes. One of the defining characteristics of this increasingly popular instructional format is the homework teachers assign. In contrast to traditional mathematics classes in which homework consists of problem sets, homework in flipped classes often…

The effects of using diagramming as a representational technique on high school students' achievement in solving math word problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banerjee, Banmali

Methods and procedures for successfully solving math word problems have been, and continue to be a mystery to many U.S. high school students. Previous studies suggest that the contextual and mathematical understanding of a word problem, along with the development of schemas and their related external representations, positively contribute to students' accomplishments when solving word problems. Some studies have examined the effects of diagramming on students' abilities to solve word problems that only involved basic arithmetic operations. Other studies have investigated how instructional models that used technology influenced students' problem solving achievements. Still other studies have used schema-based instruction involving students with learning disabilities. No study has evaluated regular high school students' achievements in solving standard math word problems using a diagramming technique without technological aid. This study evaluated students' achievement in solving math word problems using a diagramming technique. Using a quasi-experimental experimental pretest-posttest research design, quantitative data were collected from 172 grade 11 Hispanic English language learners (ELLS) and African American learners whose first language is English (EFLLs) in 18 classes at an inner city high school in Northern New Jersey. There were 88 control and 84 experimental students. The pretest and posttest of each participating student and samples of the experimental students' class assignments provided the qualitative data for the study. The data from this study exhibited that the diagramming method of solving math word problems significantly improved student achievement in the experimental group (p<.01) compared to the control group. The study demonstrated that urban, high school, ELLs benefited from instruction that placed emphasis on the mathematical vocabulary and symbols used in word problems and that both ELLs and EFLLs improved their problem solving success through careful attention to the creation and labeling of diagrams to represent the mathematics involved in standard word problems. Although Learnertype (ELL, EFLL), Classtype (Bilingual and Mixed), and Gender (Female, Male) were not significant indicators of student achievement, there was significant interaction between Treatment and Classtype at the level of the Bilingual students ( p<.01) and between Treatment and Learnertype at the level of the ELLs (p<.01).

An Actor-Oriented Transfer Perspective on High School Students' Development of the Use of Procedures to Solve Problems on Rate of Change

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roorda, Gerrit; Vos, Pauline; Goedhart, Martin J.

2015-01-01

This article reports on a longitudinal observation study about students' development in their use of procedures to calculate instantaneous rate of change. Different procedures for solving tasks on rate of change are taught in mathematics and physics classes, and together they form a repertoire. Our study took an actor-oriented perspective, which…

Benefits and Limitations of iPads in the High School Science Classroom and a Trophic Cascade Lesson Plan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ward, Nicholas D.; Finley, Rachel J.; Keil, Richard G.; Clay, Tansy G.

2013-01-01

This study explores the utility of a set of tablet-based personal computers in the K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics classroom. Specifically, a lesson on food-chain dynamics and predator-prey population controls was designed on the Apple® iPad platform and delivered to three sophomore-level ecology classes (roughly 30 students…

Effects of a Girls-Only Curriculum during Adolescence: Performance, Persistence, and Engagement in Mathematics and Science

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shapka, Jennifer D.; Keating, Daniel P.

2003-01-01

This article investigates the benefits of girls-only classroom instruction in math and science during Grades 9 and 10, in the context of a public coeducational high school. It is based on a longitudinal investigation with 786 participants: 85 girls in all-girl classes, and 319 girls and 382 boys in a regular coeducational program. Preexisting…

Multi-Positioning Mathematics Class Size: Teachers' Views

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Handal, Boris; Watson, Kevin; Maher, Marguerite

2015-01-01

This paper explores mathematics teachers' perceptions about class size and the impact class size has on teaching and learning in secondary mathematics classrooms. It seeks to understand teachers' views about optimal class sizes and their thoughts about the education variables that influence these views. The paper draws on questionnaire responses…

YouTube Physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riendeau, Diane

2012-09-01

To date, this column has presented videos to show in class, Don Mathieson from Tulsa Community College suggested that YouTube could be used in another fashion. In Don's experience, his students are not always prepared for the mathematic rigor of his course. Even at the high school level, math can be a barrier for physics students. Walid Shihabi, a colleague of Don's, decided to compile a list of YouTube videos that his students could watch to relearn basic mathematics. I thought this sounded like a fantastic idea and a great service to the students. Walid graciously agreed to share his list and I have reproduced a large portion of it below.

Assessment of school mathematics: Teachers' perceptions and practices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pfannkuch, Maxine

2001-12-01

This is the first report of a proposed ten-year interval longitudinal study about teacher assessment practice in Auckland, New Zealand. Interviews with teachers of Year 3, 6, 8, 10, and 13 students are analysed. These interviews indicate that primary teachers are using a variety of assessment strategies in a mastery-based system. Their judgement of mathematical performance is dominated by the belief that all students must feel that they are achieving. The secondary teacher interviews indicate common use of alternative assessment strategies in non-examination classes. Judgement of student performance is benchmarked against national examinations. It is conjectured that an education system effect determines teachers' assessment practices.

Mathematical vs. conceptual understanding: Where do we draw the line?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sadaghiani, Homeyra; Aguilera, Nicholas

2013-01-01

This research involved high school physics students and how they learn to understand Newton's laws as they relate to falling bodies and projectile motion. Students in introductory, algebra-based, high school physics classes were evaluated based on their prior knowledge through a pretest, designed to assess their initial comprehension of the motion of falling bodies and projectiles. Groups were divided and taught separately with an emphasis on either mathematical derivation of equations, followed by brief conceptual discussions, or on thorough conceptual analysis, followed by a brief mathematical verification. After a posttest was given, an evaluation of the responses and explanations of each group of students was used to determine which method of instruction was more effective. Results indicate that after the conceptual group and math groups achieved similar scores on the pretest, the conceptual group obtained a slightly higher normalized gain of 25% on the posttest, compared to the mathematical group's normalized gain of 16% (unpaired two-tailed t-test P value for posttest results was 0.1037) and, while within standard deviations, also achieved higher overall scores on all posttest questions and higher normalized gains on all but one posttest question. Further, most students, even thoes in the mathematically-instructed group, were more inclined to give conceptually-based responses on postest questions than mathematically-based ones. In the context of this topic, the dominating difficulty for both groups was in analyzing two-dimensional projectile motion and, more specifically, the behavior of each onedimensional component of such motion.

Perceptions of Support, Induction, and Intentions by Secondary Science and Mathematics Teachers on Job Retention

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bond, Sharon C.

This study was designed to examine the teacher characteristics, workplace factors, and type of induction supports that contribute to the retention of secondary science and mathematics teachers. Using the sample of secondary science and mathematics teachers extracted from the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) 2007--2008 Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS), research was conducted to analyze teachers' responses relative to induction and support by looking at what teachers valued, what they actually received, and what impacted their decision to remain in the teaching profession. In addition to predisposing characteristics that have been shown to influence retention, the research conceptualized the type of induction to include mentoring, professional development, and administrative supports, and employed logistic regression to estimate the individual and collective effects of these factors on teachers' decisions to stay in the profession. Consistent with many areas of education, the fields of science and mathematics in North Carolina remain predominantly White (81%) with Blacks holding 14%, while Asians and Native Americans represent less than 5%. The examination of the Schools and Staffing Survey 2007--2008 showed that the primary supports received by beginning teachers were seminars or classes, common planning, mentoring, and communication with principals. Controlling for certain teacher characteristics, research indicated that science and mathematics teachers in North Carolina rated positively many variables related to support, climate, and classroom practices. Primarily, secondary science and mathematics teachers indicated satisfaction in the areas of mentoring, working conditions, and administrative support, and remained in teaching.

The predictors of chemistry achievement of 12th grade students in secondary schools in the United Arab Emirates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khalaf, Ali Khalfan

2000-10-01

The purpose of this study is to explore variables related to chemistry achievement of 12th grade science students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The focus is to identify student, teacher, and school variables that predict chemistry achievement. The analysis sample included 204 males and 252 females in 66 classes in 60 schools from 10 districts or bureaus of education in the UAE. Thirty-two male and 33 female chemistry teachers and 60 school principals were included. The Khalaf Chemistry Achievement Test, GALT, the Student Questionnaire, Teacher Questionnaire, and School Information Questionnaire were administered. Descriptive statistics, correlations, analyses of variance, factor analysis, and stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were done. The results indicate that demographic, home environment, prior knowledge, scholastic ability, attitudes and perceptions related to chemistry and science, and student perception of instructional practices variables correlated with student chemistry achievement. The amount of help teachers received from the supervisor, class size, and courses in geology were teacher variables that correlated with class chemistry achievement. Nine school variables involving school, division, and class sizes correlated with school chemistry achievement. Analyses of variance revealed significant interaction effects: district by school size and district by student gender. In two districts, students in small schools achieved better than those in large schools. Generally female students achieved equal to or better than males. Three factors from the factor analysis: School Size, Prior Student Achievement, and Student Perception of Teacher Effectiveness, correlated with school chemistry achievement. The results of the multiple linear regression indicated that the factors of Prior Student Achievement, Student Perception of Teacher Effectiveness, and Teacher Experience and Expertise accounted for 45% of the variance in school chemistry achievement. Results indicate that the strongest predictors of chemistry achievement are prior achievement in science, Arabic language, and mathematics; student perception of teacher effectiveness; and teacher experience and expertise. Females tend to achieve better in chemistry than males. No nationality differences were found and the relationship of school size to chemistry achievement was inconclusive. Recommendations related to chemistry and science are presented. These include curriculum, school practice, teacher professional development, and future research.

Implementation of STEAM Education to Improve Mastery Concept

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liliawati, W.; Rusnayati, H.; Purwanto; Aristantia, G.

2018-01-01

Science Technology Engineering, Art, Mathematics (STEAM) is an integration of art into Science Technology Engineering, Mathematics (STEM). Connecting art to science makes learning more effective and innovative. This study aims to determine the increase in mastery of the concept of high school students after the application of STEAM education in learning with the theme of Water and Us. The research method used is one group Pretest-posttest design with students of class VII (n = 37) junior high school. The instrument used in the form of question of mastery of concepts in the form of multiple choices amounted to 20 questions and observation sheet of learning implementation. The results of the study show that there is an increase in conceptualization on the theme of Water and Us which is categorized as medium (=0, 46) after the application of the STEAM approach. The conclusion obtained that by applying STEAM approach in learning can improve the mastery of concept

Analysis of creative mathematical thinking ability by using model eliciting activities (MEAs)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Winda, A.; Sufyani, P.; Elah, N.

2018-05-01

Lack of creative mathematical thinking ability can lead to not accustomed with open ended problem. Students’ creative mathematical thinking ability in the first grade at one of junior high school in Tangerang City is not fully developed. The reason of students’ creative mathematical thinking ability is not optimally developed is so related with learning process which has done by the mathematics teacher, maybe the learning design that teacher use is unsuitable for increasing students’ activity in the learning process. This research objective is to see the differences in students’ ways of answering the problems in terms of students’ creative mathematical thinking ability during the implementation of Model Eliciting Activities (MEAs). This research use post-test experimental class design. The indicators for creative mathematical thinking ability in this research arranged in three parts, as follow: (1) Fluency to answer the problems; (2) Flexibility to solve the problems; (3) Originality of answers. The result of this research found that by using the same learning model and same instrument from Model Eliciting Activities (MEAs) there are some differences in the way students answer the problems and Model Eliciting Activities (MEAs) can be one of approach used to increase students’ creative mathematical thinking ability.

A Multisite Study of High School Mathematics Curricula and the Impact of Taking a Developmental Mathematics Course in College

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harwell, Michael; Dupuis, Danielle; Post, Thomas R.; Medhanie, Amanuel; LeBeau, Brandon

2014-01-01

The relationship between high school mathematics curricula and the likelihood of students who enroll in a developmental (non-credit bearing) course in college taking additional mathematics courses was studied. The results showed that high school mathematics curriculum, years of high school mathematics completed, and ACT mathematics scores were…

An Exploratory Study of Taiwanese Mathematics Teachers' Conceptions of School Mathematics, School Statistics, and Their Differences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yang, Kai-Lin

2014-01-01

This study used phenomenography, a qualitative method, to investigate Taiwanese mathematics teachers' conceptions of school mathematics, school statistics, and their differences. To collect data, we interviewed five mathematics teachers by open questions. They also responded to statements drawn on mathematical/statistical conceptions and…

Middle-School Mathematics Teachers' Beliefs in NCTM's Vision

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Perrin, John Robert

2012-01-01

This study examined the extent to which seventh- and eighth-grade mathematics teachers are aware of National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) standards documents, Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics and Principles and Standards for School Mathematics and agree with NCTM's vision of school mathematics as expressed in…

Early Mathematics Achievement Trajectories: English-Language Learner and Native English-Speaker Estimates, Using the Early Childhood Longitudinal Survey

PubMed Central

Roberts, Greg; Bryant, Diane

2012-01-01

This study used data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Survey, Kindergarten Class of 1998 –1999, to (a) estimate mathematics achievement trends through 5th grade in the population of students who are English-language proficient by the end of kindergarten, (b) compare trends across primary language groups within this English-language proficient group, (c) evaluate the effect of low socioeconomic status (SES) for English-language proficient students and within different primary language groups, and (d) estimate language-group trends in specific mathematics skill areas. The group of English-language proficient English-language learners (ELLs) was disaggregated into native Spanish speakers and native speakers of Asian languages, the 2 most prevalent groups of ELLs in the United States. Results of multilevel latent variable growth modeling suggest that primary language may be less salient than SES in explaining the mathematics achievement of English-language proficient ELLs. The study also found that mathematics-related school readiness is a key factor in explaining subsequent achievement differences and that the readiness gap is prevalent across the range of mathematics-related skills. PMID:21574702

The initial response of secondary mathematics teachers to a one-to-one laptop program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zuber, Edward Nordin; Anderson, Judy

2013-06-01

Studies of one-to-one programs consistently report lower use of laptops in mathematics classrooms compared to other subjects but do not elaborate reasons for these observations. This mixed-method study investigated the experiences and beliefs of 28 mathematics teachers at five secondary schools during the second year of the New South Wales Digital Education Revolution laptop program. While some mathematics teachers planned for students to use their laptops up to once a week, most reported less frequent use in the classroom. Teachers were grouped into categories "Non Adopters," "Cautious Adopters," and "Early Adopters" according to reported classroom use of laptops, then analysed for differences in confidence, knowledge, and beliefs relating to technology for teaching and learning mathematics. A prevalent belief limiting laptop use is that students authentically learn mathematics only using pen and paper. Cautious Adopters and Non Adopters expressed beliefs that laptops exacerbate classroom management problems, especially for lower-achieving students. In the context of ability-streamed classes these beliefs effectively ruled out use of laptops for entire classrooms.

The Self-Concept of Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing and Hearing Students.

PubMed

Mekonnen, Mulat; Hannu, Savolainen; Elina, Lehtomäki; Matti, Kuorelahti

2016-10-01

The present study investigated the self-concept of deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) students in different educational settings compared with those of hearing students in Ethiopia. The research involved a sample of 103 Grade 4 students selected from 7 towns in Ethiopia. They were selected from a special school for the deaf, a special class for the deaf, and a regular school. The Self-Description Questionnaire I (Marsh, 1990) was used to measure the children's self-concept. The study results indicated that, in comparison with their hearing peers, DHH students had a lower self-concept in the areas of general self, general school, reading, and parental relations. The DHH students in the special school showed a higher self-concept in regard to their physical appearance than the hearing and DHH students in the special class. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in the self-concept dimensions of peer relations, mathematics, and physical abilities. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Relation between Approximate Number System Acuity and Mathematical Achievement: The Influence of Fluency

PubMed Central

Wang, Li; Sun, Yuhua; Zhou, Xinlin

2016-01-01

Previous studies have observed inconsistent relations between the acuity of the Approximate Number System (ANS) and mathematical achievement. In this paper, we hypothesize that the relation between ANS acuity and mathematical achievement is influenced by fluency; that is, the mathematical achievement test covering a greater expanse of mathematical fluency may better reflect the relation between ANS acuity and mathematics skills. We explored three types of mathematical achievement tests utilized in this study: Subtraction, graded, and semester-final examination. The subtraction test was designed to measure the mathematical fluency. The graded test was more fluency-based than the semester-final examination, but both involved the same mathematical knowledge from the class curriculum. A total of 219 fifth graders from primary schools were asked to perform all three tests, then given a numerosity comparison task, a visual form perception task (figure matching), and a series of other tasks to assess general cognitive processes (mental rotation, non-verbal matrix reasoning, and choice reaction time). The findings were consistent with our expectations. The relation between ANS acuity and mathematical achievement was particularly clearly reflected in the participants’ performance on the visual form perception task, which supports the domain-general explanations for the underlying mechanisms of the relation between ANS acuity and math achievement. PMID:28066291

Conceptual problem solving in high school physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Docktor, Jennifer L.; Strand, Natalie E.; Mestre, José P.; Ross, Brian H.

2015-12-01

Problem solving is a critical element of learning physics. However, traditional instruction often emphasizes the quantitative aspects of problem solving such as equations and mathematical procedures rather than qualitative analysis for selecting appropriate concepts and principles. This study describes the development and evaluation of an instructional approach called Conceptual Problem Solving (CPS) which guides students to identify principles, justify their use, and plan their solution in writing before solving a problem. The CPS approach was implemented by high school physics teachers at three schools for major theorems and conservation laws in mechanics and CPS-taught classes were compared to control classes taught using traditional problem solving methods. Information about the teachers' implementation of the approach was gathered from classroom observations and interviews, and the effectiveness of the approach was evaluated from a series of written assessments. Results indicated that teachers found CPS easy to integrate into their curricula, students engaged in classroom discussions and produced problem solutions of a higher quality than before, and students scored higher on conceptual and problem solving measures.

Improving students’ understanding of mathematical concept using maple

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ningsih, Y. L.; Paradesa, R.

2018-01-01

This study aimed to improve students’ understanding of mathematical concept ability through implementation of using Maple in learning and expository learning. This study used a quasi-experimental research with pretest-posttest control group design. The sample on this study was 61 students in the second semester of Mathematics Education of Universitas PGRI Palembang, South Sumatera in academic year 2016/2017. The sample was divided into two classes, one class as the experiment class who using Maple in learning and the other class as a control class who received expository learning. Data were collective through the test of mathematical initial ability and mathematical concept understanding ability. Data were analyzed by t-test and two ways ANOVA. The results of this study showed (1) the improvement of students’ mathematical concept understanding ability who using Maple in learning is better than those who using expository learning; (2) there is no interaction between learning model and students’ mathematical initial ability toward the improvement of students’ understanding of mathematical concept ability.

University Students' Problem Posing Abilities and Attitudes towards Mathematics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Grundmeier, Todd A.

2002-01-01

Explores the problem posing abilities and attitudes towards mathematics of students in a university pre-calculus class and a university mathematical proof class. Reports a significant difference in numeric posing versus non-numeric posing ability in both classes. (Author/MM)

Flow and diffusion of high-stakes test scores.

PubMed

Marder, M; Bansal, D

2009-10-13

We apply visualization and modeling methods for convective and diffusive flows to public school mathematics test scores from Texas. We obtain plots that show the most likely future and past scores of students, the effects of random processes such as guessing, and the rate at which students appear in and disappear from schools. We show that student outcomes depend strongly upon economic class, and identify the grade levels where flows of different groups diverge most strongly. Changing the effectiveness of instruction in one grade naturally leads to strongly nonlinear effects on student outcomes in subsequent grades.

Boys and girls who reason well mathematically.

PubMed

Stanley, J C

1993-01-01

Since 1971 the Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth (SMPY) at Johns Hopkins University has pioneered in discovery of and provision of educational help for 12-year-old boys and girls who reason better mathematically than 99% of other 12-year-olds. SMPY originated widespread searches for such youths and special academic classes for them outside the regular school system. A regional talent search, verbal as well as mathematical, now covers all 50 states of the USA, and many varied residential summer programmes are offered across the country. These have provided educational facilitation for many thousands, and have encouraged greater curricular flexibility in schools and better articulation of in-school with out-of-school learning experiences. From the first talent search conducted by SMPY in 1972, it became obvious that boys tend to score considerably higher than girls on the College Board Scholastic Aptitude Test-Mathematical (SAT-M), a test intended mainly for college-bound 17- and 18-year-olds. This difference was reported in 1974 but attracted little attention until a controversial report in 1980 stimulated research on sex differences in various aspects of mathematics. Here I describe a study of sex differences over 10 years on 14 College Board high school achievement tests, which are taken (three usually) by bright 17- and 18-year-olds seeking admission to the USA's selective colleges and universities. Among the high scores on the European history test the ratio of males to females was greatest, 6:1. The next most sex-differentiating test was physics, 2.9:1, followed by elementary-level mathematics (mainly algebra and geometry), 2.5:1. Other ratios favouring males were, in 1991, chemistry (2.4:1), American history (2.1:1), biology (1.8:1), precalculus mathematics (1.6:1), Latin (1.6:1), French (1.4:1), modern Hebrew (1.1:1) and German (1.02:1). Tests in which more females were high scorers were literature (1.26:1), English composition (1.05:1) and Spanish (1.01:1). The largest sex differences on other standardized tests, for mechanical reasoning and spatial rotation, favour males. There are even larger differences for self-reported evaluative attitudes, with the theoretical value high for boys and the aesthetic high for girls. Such value scores correlated strangely with scores on achievement and aptitude tests. By 12 or younger, bright boys and girls already show many of the cognitive sex differences found in 18-year-olds.

Class Size Effects on Fourth-Grade Mathematics Achievement: Evidence from TIMSS 2011

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Li, Wei; Konstantopoulos, Spyros

2016-01-01

Class size reduction policies have been widely implemented around the world in recent years. However, findings about the effects of class size on student achievement have been mixed. This study examines class size effects on fourth-grade mathematics achievement in 14 European countries using data from TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and…

Exploring the Impact of a Standards-Based Mathematics and Pedagogy Class on Preservice Teachers' Beliefs and Subject Matter Knowledge

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stohlmann, Micah Stephen

2012-01-01

This case study explored the impact of a standards-based mathematics and pedagogy class on preservice elementary teachers' beliefs and conceptual subject matter knowledge of linear functions. The framework for the standards-based mathematics and pedagogy class in this study involved the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Standards,…

Student achievement in science and mathematics on campuses that have implemented the CSCOPE curriculum model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, Emily R.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether differences in student achievement exist between school campuses which followed a specific standards-based curriculum model (CSCOPE) and school campuses which followed a non-CSCOPE or traditional curriculum model. One-hundred and sixty CSCOPE curriculum campuses and 160 non-CSCOPE curriculum campuses were used in the study. Achievement data were collected on students in the fifth, eighth, and eleventh grades using the campuses percentage passing on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) for both science and mathematics. The TAKS is the state-mandated assessment system used to comply with federal testing guidelines. Data for the 2007-2008 school year were used for the elementary level while data from 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 were used for junior high (middle school) and high school levels. Data were analyzed by overall class as well as aggregated by ethnic classifications. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize achievement results and t-tests were utilized to analyze achievement differences between the two curriculum models. Overall fifth grade students in CSCOPE schools outperformed (p < .05) non-CSCOPE counterparts in science and mathematics. Also, fifth grade Hispanic students using CSCOPE curriculum scored higher (p < .05) than those in traditional curricula. Eighth grade students in CSCOPE schools performed better (p < .05) in science than students in non-CSCOPE schools. Finally, eighth grade Hispanic and White subgroups using CSCOPE curriculum outperformed ( p < .05) their ethnic counterparts using traditional curriculum models. The only statistically significant finding at the eleventh grade level was the African-American subgroup in science, but this subgroup had too small of a sample to infer the findings to the population. Thus, the results would tend to support use of the standardized curriculum model (CSCOPE) at lower levels whereas achievement in high school may not be differentially affected by the standardized model.

Science modelling in pre-calculus: how to make mathematics problems contextually meaningful

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sokolowski, Andrzej; Yalvac, Bugrahan; Loving, Cathleen

2011-04-01

'Use of mathematical representations to model and interpret physical phenomena and solve problems is one of the major teaching objectives in high school math curriculum' (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), Principles and Standards for School Mathematics, NCTM, Reston, VA, 2000). Commonly used pre-calculus textbooks provide a wide range of application problems. However, these problems focus students' attention on evaluating or solving pre-arranged formulas for given values. The role of scientific content is reduced to provide a background for these problems instead of being sources of data gathering for inducing mathematical tools. Students are neither required to construct mathematical models based on the contexts nor are they asked to validate or discuss the limitations of applied formulas. Using these contexts, the instructor may think that he/she is teaching problem solving, where in reality he/she is teaching algorithms of the mathematical operations (G. Kulm (ed.), New directions for mathematics assessment, in Assessing Higher Order Thinking in Mathematics, Erlbaum, Hillsdale, NJ, 1994, pp. 221-240). Without a thorough representation of the physical phenomena and the mathematical modelling processes undertaken, problem solving unintentionally appears as simple algorithmic operations. In this article, we deconstruct the representations of mathematics problems from selected pre-calculus textbooks and explicate their limitations. We argue that the structure and content of those problems limits students' coherent understanding of mathematical modelling, and this could result in weak student problem-solving skills. Simultaneously, we explore the ways to enhance representations of those mathematical problems, which we have characterized as lacking a meaningful physical context and limiting coherent student understanding. In light of our discussion, we recommend an alternative to strengthen the process of teaching mathematical modelling - utilization of computer-based science simulations. Although there are several exceptional computer-based science simulations designed for mathematics classes (see, e.g. Kinetic Book (http://www.kineticbooks.com/) or Gizmos (http://www.explorelearning.com/)), we concentrate mainly on the PhET Interactive Simulations developed at the University of Colorado at Boulder (http://phet.colorado.edu/) in generating our argument that computer simulations more accurately represent the contextual characteristics of scientific phenomena than their textual descriptions.

High School Mathematics Curricula, University Mathematics Placement Recommendations, and Student University Mathematics Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Norman, Ke Wu; Medhanie, Amanuel G.; Harwell, Michael R.; Anderson, Edwin; Post, Thomas R.

2011-01-01

Recent "math wars" have drawn attention to how well various high school mathematics curricula prepare students for college-level mathematics. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the high school mathematics curricula and students' post-secondary mathematics placement recommendation, specifically how…

The Mathematics Teacher Development with Peer Tutoring Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Duffie, William B.; Guida, Frank V.

This project addresses the problem of inadequate mathematics high school teacher staffing and the shortage of mathematics specialists in the elementary school. Regular elementary school teachers interested in becoming certified as high school mathematics teachers, and who had taken at least three college-level mathematics courses, were invited to…

Students’ Mathematical Problem-Solving Abilities Through The Application of Learning Models Problem Based Learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nasution, M. L.; Yerizon, Y.; Gusmiyanti, R.

2018-04-01

One of the purpose mathematic learning is to develop problem solving abilities. Problem solving is obtained through experience in questioning non-routine. Improving students’ mathematical problem-solving abilities required an appropriate strategy in learning activities one of them is models problem based learning (PBL). Thus, the purpose of this research is to determine whether the problem solving abilities of mathematical students’ who learn to use PBL better than on the ability of students’ mathematical problem solving by applying conventional learning. This research included quasi experiment with static group design and population is students class XI MIA SMAN 1 Lubuk Alung. Class experiment in the class XI MIA 5 and class control in the class XI MIA 6. The instrument of final test students’ mathematical problem solving used essay form. The result of data final test in analyzed with t-test. The result is students’ mathematical problem solving abilities with PBL better then on the ability of students’ mathematical problem solving by applying conventional learning. It’s seen from the high percentage achieved by the group of students who learn to use PBL for each indicator of students’ mathematical problem solving.

Status Report: Mathematics Curriculum-Development Projects Today

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arithmetic Teacher, 1972

1972-01-01

Brief reports on the Cambridge Conference on School Mathematics, Comprehensive School Mathematics Program, Computer-Assisted Instruction Projects at Stanford, Individually Prescribed Instruction Project, The Madison Project, Mathematics/Science Learning System, MINNEMAST, and School Mathematics Study Group. (MM)

Perspectives and realities of teaching statistics at a superior school of business administration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nunes, Sandra

2016-06-01

This paper aims to describe the reality of the teaching of statistics in a superior school of business administration in Portugal. It is supported in a twenty years of experience teaching several disciplines belonging to the scientific area of Mathematics such as: Statistics and Probability, Data Analysis, Calculus, Algebra and Numerical Analysis. This experience is not limited to school of business administration but also in engineering and health courses and in all these schools there has been a substantial increase of failure in these disciplines. I intend to present the main difficulties that teachers encounter. These difficulties are due to a diversity of problems. A leading cause is undoubtedly the huge heterogeneity of the level of knowledge that students have. The large number of students in each class it is also a massive problem. I must point out that, in my opinion, the introduction of the Bologna process has aggravated this situation. The assumption of reduced classroom hours and an increase in self-study is extremely penalizing for such students. There are many challenges that teachers have to face: How to teach statistics to a class where more than half the students cannot interpret the basic concepts of mathematics? Is the approach of teaching statistics through software beneficial? Should the teaching of statistics be addressed in a more practical way? How can we install a critical thinking in the students, to enable them to use the knowledge acquired to solve problems? How can we deal and prevent the failure that is increasing each year? These are only a few questions that all the teachers need an answer.

Socioemotional self-perceptions, family climate, and hopeful thinking among students with learning disabilities and typically achieving students from the same classes.

PubMed

Idan, Orly; Margalit, Malka

2014-01-01

This study aimed at examining the adjustment of students with learning disabilities (LD) and at exploring the mediating role of hope. By means of a multidimensional approach, the interactions between risk and protective factors emerging from internal and external resources among 856 high school students (10th to 12th grades) were analyzed. A total of 529 typically achieving students and 327 students with LD attending general education classes in seven high schools completed seven instruments measuring sense of coherence, basic psychological needs, loneliness, family climate, hope, academic self-efficacy, and effort. The students' achievements in English, history, and mathematics were collected. The analysis used structural equation modeling, and the results emphasized the significant role of hope as a mediator between risk and protective factors and academic self-efficacy and its significance for students with and without LD in explaining achievements and effort investment.

Achievement emotions in elementary, middle, and high school: how do students feel about specific contexts in terms of settings and subject-domains?

PubMed

Raccanello, Daniela; Brondino, Margherita; De Bernardi, Bianca

2013-12-01

The present work investigates students' representation of achievement emotions, focusing in context-specific situations in terms of settings and subject-domains, as a function of grade level. We involved 527 fourth-, seventh-, and eleventh-graders, who evaluated ten discrete emotions through questionnaires, with reference to verbal language and mathematics, and different settings (class, homework, tests). Confirmatory multitrait-multimethod analyses indicated higher salience of subject-domains rather than settings for all the emotions; however, complexity of reality was best explained when also settings were accounted for. Analyses of variance revealed higher intensity of positive emotions for younger students, and the opposite pattern for older students; significant differences for most of the emotions based on the evaluative nature of settings, moderated by class levels; more intense positive emotions for mathematics and more intense negative emotions for Italian. Results are discussed considering their theoretical and applied relevance, corroborating previous literature on domain-specificity. © 2013 The Scandinavian Psychological Associations.

Eight-Year Latent Class Trajectories of Academic and Social Functioning in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

PubMed

DuPaul, George J; Morgan, Paul L; Farkas, George; Hillemeier, Marianne M; Maczuga, Steve

2017-09-15

We examined trajectories of academic and social functioning in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to identify those who might be at risk for especially severe levels of academic and social impairment over time. We estimated a series of growth mixture models using data from two subsamples of children participating in the NIMH Collaborative Multisite Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with ADHD (MTA) including those with at least baseline and 96-month data for reading and mathematics achievement (n = 392; 77.3% male; M age = 7.7; SD = 0.8) or social skills ratings from teachers (n = 259; 74.9% male; M age = 7.6; SD = 0.8). We compared latent trajectories for children with ADHD to mean observed trajectories obtained from a local normative (i.e., non-ADHD) comparison group (n = 289; 80.6% male; M age = 9.9; SD = 1.1). Results indicated six latent trajectory classes for reading and mathematics and four classes for teacher social skills ratings. There was not only a relationship between trajectories of inattention symptoms and academic impairment, but also a similarly strong association between trajectory classes of hyperactive-impulsive symptoms and achievement. Trajectory class membership correlated with socio-demographic and diagnostic characteristics, inattention and hyperactive-impulsive symptom trajectories, externalizing behavior in school, and treatment receipt and dosage. Although children with ADHD display substantial heterogeneity in their reading, math, and social skills growth trajectories, those with behavioral and socio-demographic disadvantages are especially likely to display severe levels of academic and social impairment over time. Evidence-based early screening and intervention that directly address academic and social impairments in elementary school-aged children with ADHD are warranted. The ClinicalTrials.gov identifier is NCT00000388.

Two Project-Based Strategies in an Interdisciplinary Mathematical Modeling in Biology Course

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ludwig, Patrice; Tongen, Anthony; Walton, Brian

2018-01-01

James Madison University faculty team-teach an interdisciplinary mathematical modeling course for mathematics and biology students. We have used two different project-based approaches to emphasize the mathematical concepts taught in class, while also exposing students to new areas of mathematics not formally covered in class. The first method…

Hispanic students' mathematics achievement in the context of their high school types as STEM and non-STEM schools

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bicer, Ali; Capraro, Robert M.; Capraro, Mary M.

2018-07-01

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate Hispanic students' mathematics achievement growth rate in Inclusive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) high schools compared to Hispanic students' mathematics achievement growth rate in traditional public schools. Twenty-eight schools, 14 of which were Texas STEM (T-STEM) academies and 14 of which were matched non-STEM schools, were included in this study. A hierarchical linear modelling method was conducted. The result of the present study revealed that there was no difference in Hispanic students' mathematics achievement growth rate in T-STEM academies compared to Hispanic students' mathematics achievement growth rate in comparison schools. However, in terms of gender, the results indicated that female Hispanic students in T-STEM academies outperformed female Hispanic students in comparison schools in their mathematics growth rate.

Authenticity of Mathematical Modeling

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tran, Dung; Dougherty, Barbara J.

2014-01-01

Some students leave high school never quite sure of the relevancy of the mathematics they have learned. They fail to see links between school mathematics and the mathematics of everyday life that requires thoughtful decision making and often complex problem solving. Is it possible to bridge the gap between school mathematics and the mathematics in…

The Development of the STEM Career Interest Survey (STEM-CIS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kier, Meredith W.; Blanchard, Margaret R.; Osborne, Jason W.; Albert, Jennifer L.

2014-06-01

Internationally, efforts to increase student interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers have been on the rise. It is often the goal of such efforts that increased interest in STEM careers should stimulate economic growth and enhance innovation. Scientific and educational organizations recommend that efforts to interest students in STEM majors and careers begin at the middle school level, a time when students are developing their own interests and recognizing their academic strengths. These factors have led scholars to call for instruments that effectively measure interest in STEM classes and careers, particularly for middle school students. In response, we leveraged the social cognitive career theory to develop a survey with subscales in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. In this manuscript, we detail the six stages of development of the STEM Career Interest Survey. To investigate the instrument's reliability and psychometric properties, we administered this 44-item survey to over 1,000 middle school students (grades 6-8) who primarily were in rural, high-poverty districts in the southeastern USA. Confirmatory factor analyses indicate that the STEM-CIS is a strong, single factor instrument and also has four strong, discipline-specific subscales, which allow for the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics subscales to be administered separately or in combination. This instrument should prove helpful in research, evaluation, and professional development to measure STEM career interest in secondary level students.

Why Should Mathematics Educators Learn from and about Latina/o Students' In-School and Out-of-School Experiences?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Civil, Marta

2014-01-01

University of Arizona's Marta Civil has been studying the complexities of bridging in-school and out-of-school mathematics for some time, during which she has raised specific questions related to connecting in-school and out-of-school mathematics (Civil, 2002, 2007, 2014). These questions have to do with "What is mathematics?"…

Mathematics Course-Taking in Rural High Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Anderson, Rick; Chang, Beng

2011-01-01

Using data from the 2005 NAEP High School Transcript Study, this paper examines the mathematics course-taking of rural high school students. Although several studies indicate rural high school students' mathematics achievement is comparable to that of students in non-rural high schools, the mathematics course-taking patterns of rural and non-rural…

The Characteristics of a Good Mathematics Teacher in Terms of Students, Mathematics Teachers, and School Administrators

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yesildere-Imre, Sibel

2017-01-01

This qualitative research aims to examine the opinions of school administrators, teachers, and middle school students about what makes a good mathematics teacher. Interviews were conducted with thirty-five participants: ten school administrators, ten mathematics teachers, and fifteen middle school students. A semi-structured interview form…

Supplement for Curriculum Guide for Mathematics: Spanish-Speaking Students, Grades 7-8 = Supplemento de la guia didactica de matematicas para los estudiantes de habla hispana, septimo y octavo grados. Field Test.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chicago Board of Education, IL.

This supplementary math curriculum guide for use with Spanish-speaking students in Chicago public schools' seventh and eighth grade classes employs a contrastive analysis approach. Lessons are presented for objectives for which the instructional strategies used in the United States differ from those in Spanish-speaking countries. (Objectives for…

The Effectiveness of SMASSE Teacher Training Programme on KCSE Performance in Mathematics and Chemistry Subjects in Kikuyu District, Kenya

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kiige, Mwangi James; Atina, James Onywoki

2016-01-01

The changeover of the Kenyan system of education from the 7-4-2-3 to the current 8-4-4 in 1984 made science subjects (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) compulsory to all students up to form two at the secondary school level. This meant increased numbers of students in one class at a time attending the science subjects, which may compromise quality.…

Differences in students' mathematics engagement between gender and between rural and urban schools

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ayub, Ahmad Fauzi Mohd; Yunus, Aida Suraya Md.; Mahmud, Rosnaini; Salim, Nur Raidah; Sulaiman, Tajularipin

2017-01-01

The purpose of this study was to explore secondary school students' mathematics engagement focusing on the cognitive, affective and behavioural engagement domains. A total of 387 students (186 male and 201 female) from the urban and rural secondary schools in Pahang, Malaysia, were randomly selected. There were 158 students from the urban schools and 229 students from the rural schools. Descriptive analyses for mathematics engagement domains revealed behavioural engagement had the highest mean (M = 3.74, SD = .63), followed by cognitive engagement (M = 3.56, SD = .43) and affective engagement (M = 3.48, SD = .47). The mean for students' overall mathematics engagement was 3.56 (SD = .46). Further analyses showed there were significant differences in each of the engagement domains in mathematics learning (affective, cognitive and behavioural), where students in the urban schools showed significantly better in the mean scores for affective, cognitive, behavioural domains and the overall mathematics engagement as compared to the students in the rural schools. Similar findings also showed there were significant differences in the overall mathematics engagement mean between the genders. The findings indicated girls were significantly better than boys in all (affective, cognitive and behavioural) of the engagement domains in mathematics learning. It was also shown girls had higher overall mathematics engagement mean as compared to boys. However, the study also indicated the overall students' mathematics engagement was at a moderate level. Besides, the rural school students did not show high mathematics engagement as compared to the urban school students. Further analyses showed girls significantly had better mathematics engagement as compared to boys. Hence, it is recommended that in order to optimize students' mathematics engagement, they should be actively engaged in more participative learning activities in mathematics classrooms. Focus should be given to rural schools and also among the boys.

Increasing mathematical problem-solving performance through relaxation training

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharp, Conni; Coltharp, Hazel; Hurford, David; Cole, Amykay

2000-04-01

Two intact classes of 30 undergraduate students enrolled in the same general education mathematics course were each administered the IPSP Mathematics Problem Solving Test and the Mathematics Anxiety Rating Scale at the beginning and end of the semester. Both groups experienced the same syllabus, lectures, course requirements, and assessment techniques; however, one group received relaxation training during an initial class meeting and during the first 5 to 7 minutes of each subsequent class. The group which had received relaxation training had significantly lower mathematics anxiety and significantly higher mathematics performance at the end of the course. The results suggest that relaxation training may be a useful tool for treating anxiety in undergraduate general education mathematics students.

A Study of Coordination Between Mathematics and Chemistry in the Pre-Technical Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Loiseau, Roger A.

This research was undertaken to determine whether the mathematics course offered to students taking courses in chemical technology was adequate. Students in a regular class and an experimental class were given mathematics and chemistry pretests and posttests. The experimental class was taught using a syllabus designed to maximize the coherence…

The Effects of History of Mathematics on Attitudes Toward Mathematics of College Algebra Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McBride, Cecil; Rollins, James H.

1977-01-01

Two college algebra classes were exposed to items from mathematics history in their classroom instruction, while two other college algebra classes received no such exposure. Results showed a significant positive attitude change of the mathematics history group. (DT)

Mathematical Conversations to Transform Algebra Class

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Szydlik, Jennifer Earles

2015-01-01

Classroom culture is established through both conversations and practices. Traditionally in mathematics class, the focus is primarily on the latter; that is, students are shown what "doing mathematics" looks like, and then asked that they try it themselves. This article discusses three mathematical conversations that help bring…

Construction and reconstruction concept in mathematics instruction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mumu, Jeinne; Charitas Indra Prahmana, Rully; Tanujaya, Benidiktus

2017-12-01

The purpose of this paper is to describe two learning activities undertaken by lecturers, so that students can understand a mathematical concept. The mathematical concept studied in this research is the Vector Space in Linear Algebra instruction. Classroom Action Research used as a research method with pre-service mathematics teacher at University of Papua as the research subject. Student participants are divided into two parallel classes, 24 students in regular class, and remedial class consist of 18 students. Both approaches, construct and reconstruction concept, are implemented on both classes. The result shows that concept construction can only be done in regular class while in remedial class, learning with concept construction approach is not able to increase students' understanding on the concept taught. Understanding the concept of a student in a remedial class can only be carried out using the concept reconstruction approach.

Focus in High School Mathematics: Reasoning and Sense Making

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 2009

2009-01-01

Addressing the direction of high school mathematics in the 21st century, this resource builds on the ideas of NCTM's Principles and Standards for School Mathematics and focuses on how high school mathematics can better prepare students for future success. Reasoning and sense making are at the heart of the high school curriculum. Discover the…

Hispanic Students' Mathematics Achievement in the Context of Their High School Types as STEM and Non-STEM Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bicer, Ali; Capraro, Robert M.; Capraro, Mary M.

2018-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate Hispanic students' mathematics achievement growth rate in Inclusive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) high schools compared to Hispanic students' mathematics achievement growth rate in traditional public schools. Twenty-eight schools, 14 of which were Texas STEM (T-STEM) academies…

Middle School Mathematics: 2006-07 to 2008-09. Impact Evaluation. E&R Report No. 10.11

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Paeplow, Colleen

2010-01-01

In 2006-07, seven Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) middle schools piloted Algebraic Thinking as an alternate approach to teaching middle school mathematics. Algebraic Thinking was developed to help students in grade 6 reach higher mathematics courses by combining the regular and advanced middle school mathematics courses into one…

Modeling eBook acceptance: A study on mathematics teachers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jalal, Azlin Abd; Ayub, Ahmad Fauzi Mohd; Tarmizi, Rohani Ahmad

2014-12-01

The integration and effectiveness of eBook utilization in Mathematics teaching and learning greatly relied upon the teachers, hence the need to understand their perceptions and beliefs. The eBook, an individual laptop completed with digitized textbook sofwares, were provided for each students in line with the concept of 1 student:1 laptop. This study focuses on predicting a model on the acceptance of the eBook among Mathematics teachers. Data was collected from 304 mathematics teachers in selected schools using a survey questionnaire. The selection were based on the proportionate stratified sampling. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) were employed where the model was tested and evaluated and was found to have a good fit. The variance explained for the teachers' attitude towards eBook is approximately 69.1% where perceived usefulness appeared to be a stronger determinant compared to perceived ease of use. This study concluded that the attitude of mathematics teachers towards eBook depends largely on the perception of how useful the eBook is on improving their teaching performance, implying that teachers should be kept updated with the latest mathematical application and sofwares to use with the eBook to ensure positive attitude towards using it in class.

Flipping Freshman Mathematics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zack, Laurie; Fuselier, Jenny; Graham-Squire, Adam; Lamb, Ron; O'Hara, Karen

2015-01-01

Our study compared a flipped class with a standard lecture class in four introductory courses: finite mathematics, precalculus, business calculus, and calculus 1. The flipped sections watched video lectures outside of class and spent time in class actively working on problems. The traditional sections had lectures in class and did homework outside…

Twenty Years Later: High School Students Who Showed Promise in Mathematics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Turner, Nura D.

1981-01-01

Data from longitudinal studies of high school students who took the Annual High School Mathematics Examination sponsored by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) indicate that 56 percent of the top achievers pursued careers in mathematics or mathematically related fields. (MP)

Social class and the STEM career pipeline an ethnographic investigation of opportunity structures in a high-poverty versus affluent high school

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nikischer, Andrea B.

This research investigates science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) high school opportunity structures, including student experiences with math and science course sequences and progress, college guidance and counseling, and STEM extracurricular activities (Weis and Eisenhart, 2009), specifically related to STEM fields and career and college choice, for top-performing math and science students. Differences in these structures and processes as they play out in two representative high schools that vary by social class and racial/ethnic makeup are examined. This comparative ethnography includes 36 school and classroom observations, 56 semi-structured individual interviews, and a review of relevant documents, all gathered during the focal students' junior year of high school. Three data chapters are presented, discussing three distinct, yet interconnected themes. In the first, I examine the ways in which chronic attendance problems and classroom distractions negatively impact math and science instruction time and lead to an instruction (time) deficit. In the second, I compare the math and science course and extra-curricular offerings at each school, and discuss the significant differences between sites regarding available STEM exposure and experience, also known as "STEM educational dose" (Wai, et al., 2010). In the third, I investigate available guidance counseling services and STEM and college-linking at each site. Perceived failures in the counseling services available are discussed. This dissertation is grounded in the literature on differences in academic achievement based on school setting, the nature/distribution of knowledge based on social class, and STEM opportunity structures. The concepts of "social capital" and "STEM capital" are engaged throughout. Ultimately, I argue through this dissertation that segregation by race, and most importantly social class, both between and within districts, damages the STEM pipeline for high-performing math and science students located in high-poverty, low-performing schools. I further argue that both federal and state accountability-based school reform efforts are failing to improve outcomes for students with proficiency and interest in STEM learning and STEM fields, and in fact, these reforms are harming top performing students and high school STEM opportunity structures. Recommendations for changes in policy and practice, and for further research, are provided.

The Impact of Prior Mathematics Achievement on the Relationship between High School Mathematics Curricula and Postsecondary Mathematics Performance, Course-Taking, and Persistence

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Post, Thomas R.; Medhanie, Amanuel; Harwell, Michael; Norman, Ke Wu; Dupuis, Danielle N.; Muchlinski, Thomas; Andersen, Edwin; Monson, Debra

2010-01-01

This retrospective study examined the impact of prior mathematics achievement on the relationship between high school mathematics curricula and student postsecondary mathematics performance. The sample (N = 4,144 from 266 high schools) was partitioned into 3 strata by ACT mathematics scores. Students completing 3 or more years of a commercially…

Is There a Relationship between Pre-Service Teachers' Mathematical Values and Their Teaching Anxiety in Mathematics?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yazici, Ersen; Peker, Murat; Ertekin, Erhan; Dilmac, Bulent

2011-01-01

Introduction: The aim of this study is to investigate the relation between the pre-service teachers' mathematical values and teaching anxieties in mathematics. Method: The research was carried out on 359 teacher candidates attending the elementary school mathematics, secondary school mathematics and primary school teaching programs. To this end,…

Effects of Modern Educational Game Play on Attitudes towards Mathematics, Mathematics Self-Efficacy, and Mathematics Achievement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ritzhaupt, Albert; Higgins, Heidi; Allred, Beth

2011-01-01

This study investigated the effects of modern educational game playing on middle school students' attitudes towards mathematics, mathematics self-efficacy, and mathematics achievement. Two hundred twenty-five middle school students from four different Title 1 schools in two different counties in the southeastern United States were recruited.…

Deepening Pre-Service Secondary Teachers' Mathematical Content Knowledge through Engaging with Peers' Mathematical Contributions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pournara, C.

2016-01-01

Depth and rigour in mathematical knowledge for pre-service secondary school mathematics teachers may be found in particular experiences of learning and doing school-level mathematics. Drawing on two cases from a course on financial mathematics for secondary school teachers, I illustrate opportunities for exploring compound and exponential growth.…

Studying the Role of Human Agency in School Mathematics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morgan, Candia

2016-01-01

Mathematical discourse is often described as abstract and devoid of human presence, yet many school curricula espouse an aim to develop active, creative mathematical problem posers and solvers. The project The Evolution of the Discourse of School Mathematics (EDSM) developed an analytic scheme to investigate the nature of school mathematics…

Regiomontanus or learning how to play with science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marian, Anca-Catalina

2016-04-01

Although at the international school competitions, Romanian students are in the top, but few students decide to learn science in school. The major problem is "how to motivate students to study science?" In cooperation with Meridian Zero Astroclub, Oradea, we provide students non-formal space where non-formal activities can approach them to the work of a researcher. Five days in September, ten to fifteen students are invited in a journey through the science world. • Formation of the Moon's craters • Solar radiation • Solar cycles • Constellations • Solar System • Eratosthenes experiment These topics are examples from our activities. Working with students from 4 years old to 18 years old, all activities are developed in the form of games, combining mathematical skills with physics or astronomy. Older students are put in the position of teachers for younger students. Results: A better understanding of physical processes, a higher interest in science, a better application of mathematical concepts in class.

Using Culturally Responsive Stories in Mathematics: Responses from the Target Audience

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Corp, Amy

2017-01-01

This study examined how Black students responded to the utilization of culturally responsive stories in their mathematics class. All students in the two classes participated in mathematics lessons that began with an African American story (culturally responsive to this population), followed by mathematical discussion and concluded with solving…

Self-Regulation of Mathematics Homework Behavior: An Empirical Investigation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Xu, Jianzhong; Du, Jianxia; Fan, Xitao

2017-01-01

The authors examined self-regulation of mathematics homework behavior (i.e., mathematics homework management). The participants consisted of 796 eighth-grade students (46 classes) in China. Multilevel results showed that mathematics homework management was positively associated with value belief at the class and individual level. At the individual…

Studies in Mathematics, Volume X. Applied Mathematics in the High School.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schiffer, Max M.

This publication contains a sequence of lectures given to high school mathematics teachers by the author. Applications of mathematics emphasized are elementary algebra, geometry, and matrix algebra. Included are: (1) an introduction concerning teaching applications of mathematics; (2) Chapter 1: Mechanics for the High School Student; (3) Chapter…

An empirical investigation of differences between mathematics specialists and non-specialists at the high school level in Cyprus: A Logistic regression Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Papanastasiou, Elena C.; Zembylas, Michalinos

2006-12-01

AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION OF DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MATHEMATICS SPECIALISTS AND NON-SPECIALISTS AT THE HIGH-SCHOOL LEVEL in Cyprus - The data obtained from high-school seniors for the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) for the country of Cyprus appear to be contradictory. Although Cypriot students did not perform well in mathematics in elementary school, middle school, and in the non-advanced sectors of high school, students in advanced mathematics courses in high school managed to perform exceptionally well. In seeking to account for this apparent disparity, the present study examines the differences between mathematics specialists and non-specialists at the high-school level and discusses the implications that these have for teaching practice. It shows how students educated in an environment that might not be optimal for producing high-achieving students in mathematics and science in elementary and middle school (according to the TIMSS) might nonetheless manage to excel in these fields at the end of their schooling. In conclusion, the authors address the implications of their study for similar educational systems in other developing countries.

Teaching image-processing concepts in junior high school: boys' and girls' achievements and attitudes towards technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barak, Moshe; Asad, Khaled

2012-04-01

Background : This research focused on the development, implementation and evaluation of a course on image-processing principles aimed at middle-school students. Purpose : The overarching purpose of the study was that of integrating the learning of subjects in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and linking the learning of these subjects to the children's world and to the digital culture characterizing society today. Sample : The participants were 60 junior high-school students (9th grade). Design and method : Data collection included observations in the classes, administering an attitude questionnaire before and after the course, giving an achievement exam and analyzing the students' final projects. Results and conclusions : The findings indicated that boys' and girls' achievements were similar throughout the course, and all managed to handle the mathematical knowledge without any particular difficulties. Learners' motivation to engage in the subject was high in the project-based learning part of the course in which they dealt, for instance, with editing their own pictures and experimenting with a facial recognition method. However, the students were less interested in learning the theory at the beginning of the course. The course increased the girls', more than the boys', interest in learning scientific-technological subjects in school, and the gender gap in this regard was bridged.

Enhancing student engagement through the affordances of mobile technology: a 21st century learning perspective on Realistic Mathematics Education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bray, Aibhín; Tangney, Brendan

2016-03-01

Several recent curriculum reforms aim to address the shortfalls traditionally associated with mathematics education through increased emphasis on higher-order-thinking and collaborative skills. Some stakeholders, such as the US National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the UK Joint Mathematical Council, advocate harnessing the affordances of digital technology in conjunction with social constructivist pedagogies, contextual scenarios, and/or approaches aligned with Realistic Mathematics Education (RME). However, it can be difficult to create technology-mediated, collaborative and contextual activities within a conventional classroom setting. This paper explores how a combination of a transformative, mobile technology-mediated approach, RME, and a particular model of 21st century learning facilitates the development of mathematics learning activities with the potential to increase student engagement and confidence. An explanatory case study with multiple embedded units and a pre-experimental design was conducted with a total of 54 students in 3 schools over 25 hours of class time. Results from student interviews, along with pre-test/post-test analysis of questionnaires, suggest that the approach has the potential to increase student engagement with, and confidence in, mathematics. This paper expands on these results, proposing connections between aspects of the activity design and their impact on student attitudes and behaviours.

Using History to Teach Mathematics: The Case of Logarithms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panagiotou, Evangelos N.

2011-01-01

Many authors have discussed the question why we should use the history of mathematics to mathematics education. For example, Fauvel (For Learn Math, 11(2): 3-6, 1991) mentions at least fifteen arguments for applying the history of mathematics in teaching and learning mathematics. Knowing how to introduce history into mathematics lessons is a more difficult step. We found, however, that only a limited number of articles contain instructions on how to use the material, as opposed to numerous general articles suggesting the use of the history of mathematics as a didactical tool. The present article focuses on converting the history of logarithms into material appropriate for teaching students of 11th grade, without any knowledge of calculus. History uncovers that logarithms were invented prior of the exponential function and shows that the logarithms are not an arbitrary product, as is the case when we leap straight in the definition given in all modern textbooks, but they are a response to a problem. We describe step by step the historical evolution of the concept, in a way appropriate for use in class, until the definition of the logarithm as area under the hyperbola. Next, we present the formal development of the theory and define the exponential function. The teaching sequence has been successfully undertaken in two high school classrooms.

Geometry Report; Cambridge Conference on School Mathematics Feasibility Study No. 39.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stolzenberg, Gabriel

These materials were written with the aim of reflecting the thinking of the Cambridge Conference on School Mathematics (CCSM) regarding the goals and objectives for school mathematics. This report deals with some seventh grade mathematical concepts taught at Cambridge Friends' School. The discovery approach was utilized by the teacher in order to…

The Transition from School to University in Mathematics: Which Influence Do School-Related Variables Have?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rach, Stefanie; Heinze, Aiso

2017-01-01

Particularly in mathematics, the transition from school to university often appears to be a substantial hurdle in the individual learning biography. Differences between the characters of school mathematics and scientific university mathematics as well as different demands related to the learning cultures in both institutions are discussed as…

International medical graduates in the United States: a view from an ECFMG certificant.

PubMed

Zerhouni, Elias A

2006-12-01

The author was instilled with a passion for mathematics and physics by his father, who taught those subjects in a small Algerian town. Another indelible influence came during a high school mathematics class when his teacher gave the class a problem to solve. Little did the students know that it was Fermat's Last Theorem, which stumped them, and before that, every mathematician since 1630. This experience taught the author that failing to get the final answer was part of learning. He became enchanted with imaging techniques and after earning his medical degree in Algeria, came to study at Johns Hopkins. There he received the training he desired in diagnostic radiology. The author believes science has no borders and would like to see the opportunities that were extended to him in 1975 given to immigrants today. Although the United States produces many graduates in the sciences and mathematics, the nation still has a shortfall and must, he argues, work harder to educate and inspire this country's youth in addition to welcoming the brightest and most able scientists from around the world. He also discusses the crucial role of the National Institutes of Health in furthering global health by funding international biomedical research and by transforming medicine in the 21st century.

A Collective Case Study of the Influence of Teachers' Beliefs and Knowledge on Error-Handling Practices during Class Discussion of Mathematics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bray, Wendy S.

2011-01-01

This collective case study examines the influence of 4 third-grade teachers' beliefs and knowledge on their error-handling practices during class discussion of mathematics. Study findings suggest that, although teachers' ways of handling student errors during class discussion of mathematics are clearly linked to both teacher beliefs and teacher…

Influence of Problem-Based Learning Model of Learning to the Mathematical Communication Ability of Students of Grade XI IPA SMAN 14 Padang

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nisa, I. M.

2018-04-01

The ability of mathematical communication is one of the goals of learning mathematics expected to be mastered by students. However, reality in the field found that the ability of mathematical communication the students of grade XI IPA SMA Negeri 14 Padang have not developed optimally. This is evident from the low test results of communication skills mathematically done. One of the factors that causes this happens is learning that has not been fully able to facilitate students to develop mathematical communication skills well. By therefore, to improve students' mathematical communication skills required a model in the learning activities. One of the models learning that can be used is Problem Based learning model Learning (PBL). The purpose of this study is to see whether the ability the students' mathematical communication using the PBL model better than the students' mathematical communication skills of the learning using conventional learning in Class XI IPA SMAN 14 Padang. This research type is quasi experiment with design Randomized Group Only Design. Population in this research that is student of class XI IPA SMAN 14 Padang with sample class XI IPA 3 and class XI IPA 4. Data retrieval is done by using communication skill test mathematically shaped essay. To test the hypothesis used U-Mann test Whitney. Based on the results of data analysis, it can be concluded that the ability mathematical communication of students whose learning apply more PBL model better than the students' mathematical communication skills of their learning apply conventional learning in class XI IPA SMA 14 Padang at α = 0.05. This indicates that the PBL learning model effect on students' mathematical communication ability.

Student Academic Self-Concept and Perception of Classroom Environment in Single-Sex and Coeducational Middle Grades Mathematics Classes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kombe, Dennis; Che, S. Megan; Carter, Traci L.; Bridges, William

2016-01-01

In this article, we present findings from a study that investigated the relationship between all-girls classes, all-boys classes, and coeducational classes on student mathematics self-concept and student perception of classroom environment. Further, we compared responses of girls in all-girls classes to girls in coeducational classes and responses…

Teacher and Classroom Characteristics and Their Relations to Mathematics Achievement of the Students in the TIMSS

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Akyuz, Gozde; Berberoglu, Giray

2010-01-01

Background: Teacher-related factors such as gender, experience, conceptions related to mathematics, instructional practices have effects with various magnitudes on students' mathematics achievement. Classroom related factors such as class size, class climate and limitations to teaching and their relation to mathematics achievement have also been…

SEVENTH GRADE MATHEMATICS FOR THE ACADEMICALLY TALENTED, TEACHERS' GUIDE.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

HORN, R.A.

MATERIALS FOR BOTH ENRICHED AND ACCELERATED MATHEMATICS COURSES ARE GIVEN. THE PRESENTATION OF THE MATERIALS IS INTENDED FOR EASY ADAPTATION OF MODIFICATION TO MEET THE NEEDS OF MOST MATHEMATICS CLASSES. SUGGESTIONS AND SUPPLEMENTARY REFERENCES IN EACH UNIT ARE OFFERED AS AIDS TO THE MATHEMATICS TEACHER IN REGULAR OR ACCELERATED CLASS. UNITS…

Asking Questions in First-Grade Mathematics Classes: Potential Influences on Mathematical Thought.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Perry, Michelle; And Others

1993-01-01

Types of questions asked in first-grade mathematics classes in Japan, Taiwan, and the United States were investigated. Observations of 311 lessons by 16 Japanese, 20 Taiwanese, and 33 U.S. teachers suggest that the kinds of questions asked in Taiwan and Japan contribute to more sophisticated mathematical knowledge. (SLD)

Will the last be first and the first last? The role of classroom registers in cognitive skill acquisition

PubMed Central

Borgonovi, Francesca; Jakubowski, Maciej

2018-01-01

The paper estimates the effect of students’ position in the classroom register on their academic performance. We use a unique dataset from Poland which contains information on the academic outcomes of students in the humanities, science and mathematics lower secondary school exams as well as the position students occupy in their classroom register. We find that students whose names are recorded near the end of the class list have lower performance than those students whose names are recorded near the beginning of the list. The effect appears to be larger for performance in the humanities exam, and for low-achieving boys who attend large classes. PMID:29813092

Teachers' Views of the Challenges of Teaching Grade 9 Applied Mathematics in Toronto Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stoilescu, Dorian; McDougall, Douglas; Egodawatte, Gunawardena

2016-01-01

Mathematics teachers, mathematics department heads, curriculum leaders, and administrators from 11 schools in four school boards from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, participated in a project to improve the teaching and learning in grade 9 mathematics classrooms. In each of these schools, an implementation team was created, so that at least three…

Self-regulated learning of basic arithmetic skills: a longitudinal study.

PubMed

Throndsen, Inger

2011-12-01

Several studies have examined young primary school children's use of strategies when solving simple addition and subtraction problems. Most of these studies have investigated students' strategy use as if they were isolated processes. To date, we have little knowledge about how math strategies in young students are related to other important aspects in self-regulated learning. The main purpose of this study was to examine relations between young primary school children's basic mathematical skills and their use of math strategies, their metacognitive competence and motivational beliefs, and to investigate how students with basic mathematics skills at various levels differ in respect to the different self-regulation components. The participants were comprised of 27 Year 2 students, all from the same class. The data were collected in three stages (autumn Year 2, spring Year 2, and autumn Year 3). The children's arithmetic skills were measured by age relevant tests, while strategy use, metacognitive competence, and motivational beliefs were assessed through individual interviews. The participants were divided into three performance groups; very good students, good students, and not-so-good students. Analyses revealed that young primary school children at different levels of basic mathematics skill may differ in several important aspects of self-regulated learning. Analyses revealed that a good performance in addition and subtraction was related not only to the children's use of advanced mathematics strategies, but also to domain-specific metacognitive competence, ability attribution for success, effort attribution for failure, and high perceived self-efficacy when using specific strategies. The results indicate that instructional efforts to facilitate self-regulated learning of basic arithmetic skills should address cognitive, metacognitive, and motivational aspects of self-regulation. This is particularly important for low-performing students. ©2010 The British Psychological Society.

Development of a Multidisciplinary Middle School Mathematics Infusion Model

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Russo, Maria; Hecht, Deborah; Burghardt, M. David; Hacker, Michael; Saxman, Laura

2011-01-01

The National Science Foundation (NSF) funded project "Mathematics, Science, and Technology Partnership" (MSTP) developed a multidisciplinary instructional model for connecting mathematics to science, technology and engineering content areas at the middle school level. Specifically, the model infused mathematics into middle school curriculum…

School Mathematics Leaders' Perceptions of Successes and Challenges of Their Leadership Role within a Mathematics Improvement Project

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sexton, Matt; Downton, Ann

2014-01-01

The mathematics curriculum leader plays an important role in leading the mathematics curriculum in primary schools. They experience successes and face challenges associated with this leadership role. The perceptions that 25 mathematics leaders held about the successes and challenges they experienced whilst participating in a school mathematics…

Influence of Student Beliefs about Nature of School Mathematics on Their Achievement at Secondary Level in Kerala

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gafoor, Kunnathodi Abdul; Sarabi, M. K.

2016-01-01

This study probes students' beliefs about nature of mathematics, difficulty in learning mathematics sourcing from these and their influence on achievement in mathematics. Questionnaire survey on 458, 9th standard students randomly selected from schools of Malappuram district elicited data on nature of school mathematics and difficulty arising out…

Positive association between attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder medication use and academic achievement during elementary school.

PubMed

Scheffler, Richard M; Brown, Timothy T; Fulton, Brent D; Hinshaw, Stephen P; Levine, Peter; Stone, Susan

2009-05-01

Approximately 4.4 million (7.8%) children in the United States have been diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and 56% of affected children take prescription medications to treat the disorder. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is strongly linked with low academic achievement, but the association between medication use and academic achievement in school settings is largely unknown. Our objective was to determine if reported medication use for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is positively associated with academic achievement during elementary school. To estimate the association between reported medication use and standardized mathematics and reading achievement scores for a US sample of 594 children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, we used 5 survey waves between kindergarten and fifth grade from the nationally representative Early Childhood Longitudinal Study--Kindergarten Class of 1998-1999 to estimate a first-differenced regression model, which controlled for time-invariant confounding variables. Medicated children had a mean mathematics score that was 2.9 points higher than the mean score of unmedicated peers with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Children who were medicated for a longer duration (at >2 waves) had a mean reading score that was 5.4 points higher than the mean score of unmedicated peers with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The medication-reading association was lower for children who had an individualized education program than for those without such educational accommodation. The finding of a positive association between medication use and standardized mathematics and reading test scores is important, given the high prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and its association with low academic achievement. The 2.9-point mathematics and 5.4-point reading score differences are comparable with score gains of 0.19 and 0.29 school years, respectively, but these gains are insufficient to eliminate the test-score gap between children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and those without the disorder. Long-term trials are needed to better understand the relationship between medication use and academic achievement.

A Strategy for Improving US Middle School Student Mathematics Word Problem Solving Performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thomas, Valerie L.

2004-01-01

U.S. middle school students have difficulty understanding and solving mathematics word problems. Their mathematics performance on the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMMS) is far below their international peers, and minority students are less likely than high socioeconomic status (SES) White/Asian students to be exposed to higher-level mathematics concepts. Research literature also indicates that when students use both In-School and Out-of-School knowledge and experiences to create authentic mathematics word problems, student achievement improves. This researcher developed a Strategy for improving mathematics problem solving performance and a Professional Development Model (PDM) to effectively implement the Strategy.

In-Class Purposes of Flipped Mathematics Educators

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eisenhut, Lindsay A.; Taylor, Cynthia E.

2015-01-01

This paper provides empirical findings from a study that examined how three grade 7-12 flipped mathematics educators utilized class time when implementing a flipped learning model. Additionally, the researchers investigated the educators' purposes for various in-class tasks as well as their general use of class time. The data revealed flipped…

School Mathematics Leaders' Beliefs about Their Role When Participating in a School Mathematics Project

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sexton, Matt; Downton, Ann

2014-01-01

It is not uncommon in many Australian primary schools for a teaching staff member to undertake the leadership or coordination of mathematics in his or her school. Some research (e.g., Cheeseman & Clarke, 2005) suggests that coordinators and leaders play an important role in the leadership and management of mathematics teaching and learning in…

Precision in the Teaching, Learning, and Communication of Elementary School Mathematics: A Reply to Wilson's "Elementary School Mathematics Priorities"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maher, Carolyn; Weber, Keith

2009-01-01

In "Elementary School Mathematics Priorities," Wilson (2009 [this issue]) presents a list of five core concepts that students should master in elementary school so that they can succeed in algebra. As researchers in mathematics education, the authors enthusiastically endorse Wilson's recommendations. Learning algebra is key to further study of…

Mathematical Problem-Solving Styles in the Education of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Individuals

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Erickson, Elizabeth E. A.

2012-01-01

This study explored the mathematical problem-solving styles of middle school and high school deaf and hard-of-hearing students and the mathematical problem-solving styles of the mathematics teachers of middle school and high school deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The research involved 45 deaf and hard-of-hearing students and 19 teachers from a…

Mathematical Knowledge and Skills Expected by Higher Education in Engineering and the Social Sciences: Implications for High School Mathematics Curriculum

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Basaran, Mehmet; Özalp, Gülümser; Kalender, Ilker; Alacaci, Cengiz

2015-01-01

One important function of school mathematics curriculum is to prepare high school students with the knowledge and skills needed for university education. Identifying them empirically will help making sound decisions about the contents of high school mathematics curriculum. It will also help students to make informed choices in course selection at…

A Naturalistic Inquiry into the Attitudes toward Mathematics and Mathematics Self-Efficacy Beliefs of Middle School Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stramel, Janet K.

2010-01-01

While there has been much quantitative research done in the area of attitudes and self-efficacy beliefs, this study sought hear the voices of the middle school child. Therefore, this qualitative study investigated the attitudes toward mathematics and mathematics self-efficacy beliefs of middle school students in one middle school in western…

"It's Hard Getting Kids to Talk about Math": Helping New Teachers Improve Mathematical Discourse

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bennett, Cory A.

2010-01-01

This article examines how two new teachers, with varied content knowledge and preparation as teachers in mathematics education, improved their use of whole-class discourse in their mathematics classes with a mentor's assistance. Discourse has long been shown to be influential in supporting students' learning of mathematics, but the implementation…

Student and high-school characteristics related to completing a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) major in college

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

LeBeau, Brandon; Harwell, Michael; Monson, Debra; Dupuis, Danielle; Medhanie, Amanuel; Post, Thomas R.

2012-04-01

Background: The importance of increasing the number of US college students completing degrees in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) has prompted calls for research to provide a better understanding of factors related to student participation in these majors, including the impact of a student's high-school mathematics curriculum. Purpose: This study examines the relationship between various student and high-school characteristics and completion of a STEM major in college. Of specific interest is the influence of a student's high-school mathematics curriculum on the completion of a STEM major in college. Sample: The sample consisted of approximately 3500 students from 229 high schools. Students were predominantly Caucasian (80%), with slightly more males than females (52% vs 48%). Design and method: A quasi-experimental design with archival data was used for students who enrolled in, and graduated from, a post-secondary institution in the upper Midwest. To be included in the sample, students needed to have completed at least three years of high-school mathematics. A generalized linear mixed model was used with students nested within high schools. The data were cross-sectional. Results: High-school predictors were not found to have a significant impact on the completion of a STEM major. Significant student-level predictors included ACT mathematics score, gender and high-school mathematics GPA. Conclusions: The results provide evidence that on average students are equally prepared for the rigorous mathematics coursework regardless of the high-school mathematics curriculum they completed.

Understanding Mathematic Concept in Relation and Function Method through Active Learning Type Group to Group Distributed LKS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kudri, F.; Rahmi, R.; Haryono, Y.

2018-04-01

This research is motivated by the lack of understanding of mathematical concepts students and teachers have not familiarize students discussed in groups. This researchaims to determine whether an understanding of mathematical concepts junior class VIII SMPN 2 in Ranah Batahan Kabupaten Pasaman Barat by applying active learning strategy group to group types with LKS better than conventional learning. The type of research is experimental the design of randomized trials on the subject. The population in the study were all students VIII SMPN 2 Ranah Batahan Kabupaten Pasaman Barat in year 2012/2013 which consists of our class room experiment to determine the grade and control class with do nerandomly, so that classes VIII1 elected as a experiment class and class VIII4 as a control class. The instruments used in the test empirically understanding mathematical concepts are shaped by the essay with rt=0,82 greater than rt=0,468 means reliable tests used. The data analysis technique used is the test with the help of MINITAB. Based on the results of the data analisis known that both of the sample are normal and homogenity in real rate α = 0,05, so the hypothesis of this research is received. So, it can be concluded students’ understanding mathematical concept applied the active Group to Group learning strategy with LKS is better than the students’ understanding mathematical concept with Conventional Learning.

Mathematical Modeling in the Secondary School Curriculum.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Swetz, Frank, Ed.; Hartzler, J. S., Ed.

Over the past 10 years, national conferences and committees investigating the state of American mathematics education have advocated an increased emphasis on problem solving and mathematical modeling situations in the secondary school curriculum. However, little effort has been made to prepare secondary school teachers to use mathematical modeling…

Teachers' Experiences with Middle-Level Mathematics Coaches

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Frost, Bernard Emmanuel

2013-01-01

Many school districts have provided support to middle school mathematics teachers who face challenges involving delivery of instruction by hiring instructional mathematics coaches. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the experiences between classroom mathematics middle school teachers and their instructional coach, and to…

On Singapore Prospective Secondary School Teachers' Mathematical Content Knowledge

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Toh, Tin Lam

2017-01-01

This paper reports the performance of one entire cohort of Singapore prospective secondary school mathematics teachers in a mathematics proficiency test. The prospective teachers were admitted to the teacher education program specializing in teaching secondary school mathematics. The strengths of the prospective teachers' content knowledge, their…

A Core Curriculum: Making Mathematics Count for Everyone. Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics Addenda Series, Grades 9-12.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Meiring, Steven P.; And Others

The 1989 document, "Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics," provides a vision and a framework for revising and strengthening the K-12 mathematics curriculum in North American schools and for evaluating both the mathematics curriculum and students' progress. When completed, it is expected that the Addenda Series will…

The way adults with orientation to mathematics teaching cope with the solution of everyday real-world problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gazit, Avikam; Patkin, Dorit

2012-03-01

The article aims to check the way adults, some who are practicing mathematics teachers at elementary school, some who are academicians making a career change to mathematics teachers at junior high school and the rest who are pre-service mathematics teachers at elementary school, cope with the solution of everyday real-world problems of buying and selling. The findings show that even adults with mathematical background tend to make mistakes in solving everyday real-world problems. Only about 70% of the adults who have an orientation to mathematics solved the sample problem correctly. The lowest percentage of success was demonstrated by the academicians making a career change to junior high school mathematics teachers whereas the highest percentage of success was manifested by pre-service elementary school mathematics teachers. Moreover, the findings illustrate that life experience of the practicing mathematics teachers and, mainly, of the academicians making a career change, who were older than the pre-service teachers, did not facilitate the solution of such a real-world problem. Perhaps the reason resides in the process of mathematics teaching at school, which does not put an emphasis on the solution of everyday real-world problems.

The Implementation of an Interdisciplinary Co-planning Team Model Among Mathematics and Science Teachers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, Michelle Cetner

In recent years, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education has become a significant focus of numerous theoretical and commentary articles as researchers have advocated for active and conceptually integrated learning in classrooms. Drawing connections between previously isolated subjects, especially mathematics and science, has been shown to increase student engagement, performance, and critical thinking skills. However, obstacles exist to the widespread implementation of integrated curricula in schools, such as teacher knowledge and school structure and culture. The Interdisciplinary Co-planning Team (ICT) model, in which teachers of different subjects come together regularly to discuss connections between content and to plan larger interdisciplinary activities and smaller examples and discussion points, offers a method for teachers to create sustainable interdisciplinary experiences for students within the bounds of the current school structure. The ICT model is designed to be an iterative, flexible model, providing teachers with both a regular time to come together as "experts" and "teach" each other important concepts from their separate disciplines, and then to bring their shared knowledge and language back to their own classrooms to implement with their students in ways that fit their individual classes. In this multiple-case study, which aims to describe the nature of the co-planning process, the nature of plans, and changes in teacher beliefs as a result of co-planning, three pairs of secondary mathematics and science teachers participated in a 10-week intervention with the ICT model. Each pair constituted one case. Data included observations, interviews, and artifact collection. All interviews, whole-group sessions, and co-planning sessions were transcribed and coded using both theory-based and data-based codes. Finally, a cross-case comparison was used to present similarities and differences across cases. Findings suggest that the ICT model can be implemented with pairs of mathematics and science teachers to create a sustainable way to share experience and expertise, and to create powerful interdisciplinary experiences for their students. In addition, there is evidence that participation with the ICT model positively influences teacher beliefs about the nature of mathematics and science, about teaching and learning, and about interdisciplinary connections. These findings seem to hold across grades, school type, and personal experience. Future implementation of the ICT model on a larger scale is recommended to continue to observe the effects on teachers and students.

Lack of quantitative training among early-career ecologists: a survey of the problem and potential solutions

PubMed Central

Ezard, Thomas H.G.; Jørgensen, Peter S.; Zimmerman, Naupaka; Chamberlain, Scott; Salguero-Gómez, Roberto; Curran, Timothy J.; Poisot, Timothée

2014-01-01

Proficiency in mathematics and statistics is essential to modern ecological science, yet few studies have assessed the level of quantitative training received by ecologists. To do so, we conducted an online survey. The 937 respondents were mostly early-career scientists who studied biology as undergraduates. We found a clear self-perceived lack of quantitative training: 75% were not satisfied with their understanding of mathematical models; 75% felt that the level of mathematics was “too low” in their ecology classes; 90% wanted more mathematics classes for ecologists; and 95% more statistics classes. Respondents thought that 30% of classes in ecology-related degrees should be focused on quantitative disciplines, which is likely higher than for most existing programs. The main suggestion to improve quantitative training was to relate theoretical and statistical modeling to applied ecological problems. Improving quantitative training will require dedicated, quantitative classes for ecology-related degrees that contain good mathematical and statistical practice. PMID:24688862

Restructuring the CS 1 classroom: Examining the effect of open laboratory-based classes vs. closed laboratory-based classes on Computer Science 1 students' achievement and attitudes toward computers and computer courses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Henderson, Jean Foster

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of classroom restructuring involving computer laboratories on student achievement and student attitudes toward computers and computer courses. The effects of the targeted student attributes of gender, previous programming experience, math background, and learning style were also examined. The open lab-based class structure consisted of a traditional lecture class with a separate, unscheduled lab component in which lab assignments were completed outside of class; the closed lab-based class structure integrated a lab component within the lecture class so that half the class was reserved for lecture and half the class was reserved for students to complete lab assignments by working cooperatively with each other and under the supervision and guidance of the instructor. The sample consisted of 71 students enrolled in four intact classes of Computer Science I during the fall and spring semesters of the 2006--2007 school year at two southern universities: two classes were held in the fall (one at each university) and two classes were held in the spring (one at each university). A counterbalanced repeated measures design was used in which all students experienced both class structures for half of each semester. The order of control and treatment was rotated among the four classes. All students received the same amount of class and instructor time. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) via a multiple regression strategy was used to test the study's hypotheses. Although the overall MANOVA model was statistically significant, independent follow-up univariate analyses relative to each dependent measure found that the only significant research factor was math background: Students whose mathematics background was at the level of Calculus I or higher had significantly higher student achievement than students whose mathematics background was less than Calculus I. The results suggest that classroom structures that incorporate an open laboratory setting are just as effective on student achievement and attitudes as classroom structures that incorporate a closed laboratory setting. The results also suggest that math background is a strong predictor of student achievement in CS 1.

Optimization of computations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mikhalevich, V.S.; Sergienko, I.V.; Zadiraka, V.K.

1994-11-01

This article examines some topics of optimization of computations, which have been discussed at 25 seminar-schools and symposia organized by the V.M. Glushkov Institute of Cybernetics of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences since 1969. We describe the main directions in the development of computational mathematics and present some of our own results that reflect a certain design conception of speed-optimal and accuracy-optimal (or nearly optimal) algorithms for various classes of problems, as well as a certain approach to optimization of computer computations.

Provisional Approaches to Goals for School Mathematics; Cambridge Conference on School Mathematics Feasibility Study No. 37.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cambridge Conference on School Mathematics, Newton, MA.

These materials were written with the aim of reflecting the thinking of Cambridge Conference on School Mathematics (CCSM) regarding the goals and objectives for school mathematics K-6. In view of the experiences of other curriculum groups and of the general discussions since 1963, the present report initiates the next step in evolving the "Goals".…

Estimation in the Primary School: Developing a Key Mathematical Skill for Life

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mildenhall, Paula

2016-01-01

Very recently, in the "Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers (AAMT)/Australian Industry Group quantitative report" (2014), concerns were raised that school mathematics is lacking real world application. This report highlighted the gaps between school mathematics and the requirements of the workplace. After interviewing industry…

Middle School Teachers' Views and Approaches to Implement Mathematical Tasks

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yesildere-Imre, Sibel; Basturk-Sahin, Burcu Nur

2016-01-01

This research examines middle school mathematics teachers' views regarding implementation of mathematical tasks and their enactments. We compare their views on tasks and their implementation, and determine the causes of difference between the two using qualitative research methods. We interview sixteen middle school mathematics teachers based on…

Mathematics Programs in High Schools and Two-Year Colleges.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Taylor, Ross

Reviewing current conditions and projecting future directions, this paper explores trends in high school mathematics and discusses their implications for two-year college education. The first section examines the secondary school mathematics program, indicating that until now this two-track curriculum has focused on precalculus mathematics for…

SECONDARY SCHOOL MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM IMPROVEMENT STUDY. FINAL REPORT.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

FEHR, HOWARD F.

THIS SECONDARY SCHOOL MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM IMPROVEMENT STUDY GROUP (SSMCIS), COMPOSED OF BOTH AMERICAN AND EUROPEAN EDUCATORS, WAS GUIDED BY TWO MAIN OBJECTIVES--(1) TO CONSTRUCT AND EVALUATE A UNIFIED SECONDARY SCHOOL MATHEMATICS PROGRAM FOR GRADES 7-12 THAT WOULD TAKE THE CAPABLE STUDENT WELL INTO CURRENT COLLEGE MATHEMATICS, AND (2) DETERMINE…

Modeling Physical Systems Using Vensim PLE Systems Dynamics Software

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Widmark, Stephen

2012-02-01

Many physical systems are described by time-dependent differential equations or systems of such equations. This makes it difficult for students in an introductory physics class to solve many real-world problems since these students typically have little or no experience with this kind of mathematics. In my high school physics classes, I address this problem by having my students use a variety of software solutions to model physical systems described by differential equations. These include spreadsheets, applets, software my students themselves create, and systems dynamics software. For the latter, cost is often the main issue in choosing a solution for use in a public school and so I researched no-cost software. I found Sphinx SD,2OptiSim,3 Systems Dynamics,4 Simile (Trial Edition),5 and Vensim PLE.6 In evaluating each of these solutions, I looked for the fewest restrictions in the license for educational use, ease of use by students, power, and versatility. In my opinion, Vensim PLE best fulfills these criteria.7

ICT Use in Mathematics Lessons and the Mathematics Achievement of Secondary School Students by International Comparison: Which Role Do School Level Factors Play?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eickelmann, Birgit; Gerick, Julia; Koop, Christian

2017-01-01

By means of an international comparison, the research presented in the article aims to identify supporting and hindering school level factors for the use of ICT in secondary school mathematics lessons. The relationship between ICT use and the performance of Grade 9 students in mathematics is examined and further integrated into a multi-level model…

Probability Lessons at Hancock School, Lexington; Cambridge Conference on School Mathematics Feasibility Study No. 41.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McLane, Lyn

These materials were written with the aim of reflecting the thinking of Cambridge Conference on School Mathematics (CCSM) regarding the goals and objectives for school mathematics. Presented are plans for teaching 23 probability lessons in the elementary grades at Hancock School, Lexington, Massachusetts. The discovery approach was utilized by the…

The art of creating a school: The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1979-1986

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coates, Judith Mary

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy is a three-year, public, residential learning environment for high school aged, gifted students. Established in 1986, it was one of only four such high schools in the United States. It continues to be successful and is often cited for its exemplary educational practices. The Academy is located in Aurora, Illinois and attracts gifted students from across the state. This study analyzes the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy's stages of development over a seven year period prior to its opening in September of 1986. Through documentary research, this dissertation analyzes the methods, procedures, and marketing strategies utilized by the individuals and organizations who successfully managed the development of the Academy. Some of these methods and strategies include: defining a purpose, rallying community support, acquiring legislative approval, recruiting faculty and students, identifying a site, etc. The research identifies political, social, ideological, technological, utilitarian, environmental and educational needs unmet at the time by existing high schools, and illustrates how the Academy positioned itself to address those unmet needs. The information provides historical facts about the Academy and reveals some common and unique methodologies used to research, organize, manage, and implement the developmental process used to establish the school. The seven year period of development documented in the research begins at the definitive moment that the idea for establishing the new Academy occurred, and concludes with the first day the Academy opened its doors to its first class of students. The study uses a considerable volume of direct quotations from the individuals involved in the Academy's establishment to authenticate the historical facts. Quotations are cited from students, teachers, community members, board members, legislators, business owners, scientists, etc. Using the Academy's process of development as a model for creating other schools, conclusions are drawn and recommendations are proposed regarding seven key phases of development in the creation of a school. Issues are identified which could prove to be useful to educators involved in or considering the development of a new alternative school.

The Path to College Calculus: The Impact of High School Mathematics Coursework

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sadler, Philip; Sonnert, Gerhard

2018-01-01

This study addresses a longstanding question among high school mathematics teachers and college mathematics professors: Which is the best preparation for college calculus-- (a) a high level of mastery of mathematics considered preparatory for calculus (algebra, geometry, precalculus) or (b) taking calculus itself in high school? We used a data set…

Final Report of Cambridge Conference on School Mathematics, January 1962 - August 1970.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cambridge Conference on School Mathematics, Newton, MA.

The Cambridge Conference on School Mathematics (CCSM) was an association of prominent mathematicians who had a concern for mathematics education at school level, from kindergarten through grade twelve. These mathematicians organized three main conferences in three areas of mathematics education, and have carried on activities related to the…

The Impact of Specialist School Status: A Case Study of Two Contrasting Mathematics and Computing Colleges

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sinkinson, Anne J.

2006-01-01

The research examines the range of effects of obtaining Specialist School status in two contrasting mathematics and computing colleges, concentrating on the mathematics department. The positive impact of a wider range of technology was evident in both schools although the inherent pedagogical perspectives within each mathematics department…

Mathematics Education in Secondary Schools and Two-Year Colleges. A Sourcebook.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Campbell, Paul J.; Grinstein, Louise S.

The changing role of mathematics in society may require a different mathematics curriculum in the schools. Curriculum builders work constructing pieces of the new mathematics curriculum. To last, this new curriculum must be based on a foundation of experience and research. This book provides access to that foundation for secondary schools and…

The High School Mathematics Library. Eighth Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schaaf, William L.

This eighth edition of the bibliography reflects changes in emphasis in the secondary school mathematics curriculum. The booklet is addressed primarily to high school students of all ability levels and to their mathematics teachers, and should also be of interest to students and instructors of mathematics in two-year colleges as well as librarians…