Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Primary school mathematics'
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Finlayson, Helen M. "LOGO, mathematics and upper primary school children." Thesis, University of Edinburgh, 1986. http://hdl.handle.net/1842/6629.
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This study was set up to assess the contribution that a computer modelling approach using the language LOGO could make to the quality of mathematics learning in primary school children. Following a constructivist theory of mathematical learning it is argued that many problems children have with their mathematics results from instrumental learning without understanding, rather than relational learning. LOGO was developed, in part, to provide a learning environment for children to investigate mathematical ideas and thus develop their own understanding. Previous research has not provided much evidence that this happens, nor specified what mathematical learning could be expected to take place and what pedagogic approach could bring it about. Other questions relating to the maturity of the children and their aptitude for programming have similarly been neglected. This study was set up to identify the mathematical ideas intrinsic to Turtle Geometry and to explore the conditions under which this learning could best be fostered. The study was carried out in three phases. The first phase considered the constraints of maturity and the need to program on the learning of 9 and 11 year old children. The second phase of the study followed up the programming of the older children, to see what mathematics they were encountering, and what sort of activities encouraged them to think mathematically. Pre and post tests were used to identify the mathematical learning which was taking place. In Phase III a control group was used to identify the particular mathematical learning which could be attributed to LOGO experience, and to assess the transfer of mathematical learning from the LOGO context to novel problem solving. The first two phases revealed considerable mathematical activity intrinsic to Turtle Geometry. The need to learn some simple programming apparently did not present a barrier to mathematical investigation. The test results in the third phase showed that the children had deepened their understanding of angles, variables and general process aspects of mathematics through using LOGO. The performance of the children on the computers was monitored and was found to be revealing of their current mathematical understanding.
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Gottardis, L. "Deaf primary school children's achievement in mathematics." Thesis, University of Oxford, 2014. http://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:13f90aa3-c27e-46e2-a6b6-3db04de3712f.
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The present research aims to evaluate the extent of deaf children’s delay in mathematics, identifying the moderators of this delay and determine the longitudinal predictors of their mathematical achievement. For five decades, studies have reported that deaf children lag behind their hearing peers in mathematics (Gottardis, Nunes and Lunt, 2011). Background factors such as age, degree of hearing loss, presence of cochlear implant and types of educational provision were previously hypothesised to be moderators of the extent of this delay but, up to now, they have not been tested. Pagliaro (2010) argued that number knowledge, working memory and degree of hearing loss could be possible causes of deaf children’s difficulties in mathematics but no clear conclusions were reached. The present investigation aims to provide insight into the causes of deaf children’s delay in mathematics. The survey study addressed the first aim of the present study. The maths test of the Performance Indicators for Primary School (PIPS) was used as outcome measure. Factors related to deaf children (degree of hearing loss, age, years in education, presence of cochlear implant, gender, causes of deafness) and background factors (highest maternal education, language used at home, type of educational provision) were assessed as possible predictors and moderators of the extent of deaf children’s delay in mathematics. The overall extent of deaf children’s delay in mathematics was of -1.76 SDs. The older the children get and the more years they spend in special schools for the deaf or in units for hearing impaired, the wider is their gap in mathematics achievement compared with their hearing peers. It is, therefore, necessary to intervene in their mathematical learning in the early years of schooling in order to create pathways for improvement. The second aim of the present study was addressed through a longitudinal design. Logical-mathematical reasoning, working memory and counting ability were chosen as predictors of deaf children’s mathematical attainment on the basis of theoretical framework, evidence from longitudinal studies and from the analysis of the difficulties that deaf children have in these factors compared with hearing peers. Hierarchical regression analyses were used to assess the independence of the contributions of logical-mathematical reasoning, working memory and counting ability to the prediction of deaf children’s mathematical achievement measured through the PIPS. Age, years in education, type of educational provision and non-verbal intelligence were used as controls. Counting ability and working memory did make independent contributions to the prediction of deaf children’s mathematical success but logical mathematical reasoning was by far the strongest predictor. When the predictors were entered in the model, none of the control variables predicted significantly deaf children’s mathematical achievement. This study makes several empirical contributions. First, it established age, years in education and types of educational provision as moderators of the extent of deaf children’s delay in mathematics. Second, it determined the plausibility of a causal link between logical-mathematical reasoning, counting ability, working memory and deaf children’s mathematical achievement. The implication is that schools must explicitly plan to improve deaf children’s mathematical reasoning, counting ability and working memory when they are in kindergarten and in the first years of school in order to help the children’s mathematical development.
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Sangster, Margaret. "An exploration of pattern in primary school mathematics." Thesis, University of Surrey, 1999. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.326524.
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Hodgen, Jeremy. "Teacher identity and professional development in primary school mathematics." Thesis, King's College London (University of London), 2003. https://kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/theses/teacher-identity-and-professional-development-in-primary-school-mathematics(3727b6d6-726a-4553-95b2-c74e350c4b7f).html.
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Bibby, Tamara. "Primary school teachers' personal and professional relationships with mathematics." Thesis, King's College London (University of London), 2001. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.369055.
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Roos, Helena. "Inclusion in mathematics in primary school : what can it be?" Licentiate thesis, Linnéuniversitetet, Institutionen för matematikdidaktik (MD), 2015. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-39800.
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Thomson, Stephanie Louisa. "A configurational analysis of parental involvement in primary school mathematics." Thesis, Durham University, 2012. http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/3432/.
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I use the method Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) to analyse data from the British Birth Cohort Study of 1970 which follows a cohort of children born in a particular week in 1970. QCA allows for case-based analysis on large datasets. The solutions from a QCA analysis can be thought of as causal pathways to a specified outcome showing that causal factors do not necessarily operate in a homogeneous way across all cases – a key assumption of regression-type analyses. Initially, I conduct some QCA analyses on the BCS and explain, in detail, the various stages of the process. Included in this explanation is a detailed, methodological discussion about some of the difficulties. Particularly, I discuss how to proceed when faced with limited diversity in the data – a not-uncommon problem in social data which is often overlooked. One of the intermediary steps in a QCA analysis is the creation of a truth table which has a row for each possible combination of causal factors and details the number of cases in each row and how many of these achieve the outcome. Each of these rows can be thought of as a type – a particular configuration of factors. A large dataset such as the BCS will suffer from a lack of detail in some areas and, it is for this reason, that I also conducted interviews. Those interviewed were selected to represent some of the types I wanted to explore in more detail. I investigated what different strategies were employed by parents who would come under the same type(s) in the QCA analyses. Specifically, I examined in what way these differing strategies were linked to possession of differing amounts and types of cultural and social capital, as conceptualised by Bourdieu, in the parents. I suggested in this section that the composition of capital must be explored as well as the individual levels of particular types of capital as this helps us understand how parents transfer (or fail to transfer) their capital to their children. The combination of QCA and interview analysis allowed me to take a case-focused, configurational approach to the investigation of parental involvement in mathematics education. An approach such as this sees the parents (and their children) as products of a collection of circumstances which may combine to produce particular disadvantage or foster an unpredictable approach to overcoming disadvantage.
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Leung, Hei Pak, and 梁希珀. "Evaluation of students' achievement and attitudes in primary school mathematics." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 1994. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B31957237.
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Biccard, Piera. "The didactisation practices in primary school mathematics teachers through modelling." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/85598.
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Thesis (PhD)-- Stellenbosch University, 2013.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Mathematics teacher development is a source of national and international concern. This study describes how primary school mathematics teachers develop didactisation practices. In considering how teachers could develop, so that student learning is optimised; the concepts of didactisation and the mathematical work of teaching were sourced from existing literature. The concept didactisation is explored and defined; and is incorporated with the concept of mathematical work of teaching. Nine practices were made explicit through this incorporation: active students, differentiation, mathematisation, vertically aligned lessons, access, probe, connect and assess student thinking, and teacher reflection. These nine practices become the framework for the professional development program and the data generation structure. Five primary school teachers were involved in a professional development program that used model-eliciting activities (MEAs) as a point of departure. A modelling perspective to teacher learning was chosen for the professional development program. The methodology followed the principles of design research and from this, a three phase teaching experiment was designed and implemented. The teachers and researcher met for development sessions and teachers were observed in practice at intervals throughout the program. Their developing didactisation practices were documented through a qualitative analysis of the data. It was established that teachers’ didactisation practices did develop during the nine-month program. Furthermore it was found that didactisation practices developed at different rates and consequently, a hierarchy of didactisation practice development is presented. The impact of the program was also gauged through teachers’ changing resources, goals and orientations. These three aspects also evolved over time. The program proposed in this study may be a suitable model to develop in-service and pre-service mathematics teachers. The study contributes to understanding teacher action in a classroom and how teachers can change their own thinking and practice.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die ontwikkeling van wiskundeonderwysers is ‘n bron van nasionale en internasionale kommer. Hierdie studie beskryf hoe die didaktiseringspraktyke van laerskool wiskundeonderwysers met die oog op optimalisering van leer ontwikkel het. In die bestudering van die ontwikkeling van onderwysers met die oog op optimalisering van leer, is die begrippe didaktisering en die wiskundige werk van onderrig (mathematical work of teaching) nagespoor uit bestaande literatuur. Die begrip didaktisering is deeglik ondersoek, gedefinieer en saamgevoeg met die begrip wiskundige werk van onderrig. Nege praktyke is eksplisiet gemaak deur hierdie inkorperering: aktiewe studente, differensiasie, matematisering, vertikaalgerigte lesse, toegang, indringende ondersoek, gekonnekteerdheid en assessering van studente-denke, en onderwyserrefleksie. Hierdie nege praktyke het die raamwerk gevorm vir die professionele ontwikkelingsprogram en die data genereringstruktuur. Vyf laerskool onderwysers was betrokke in ‘n professionele ontwikkelingsprogram waarin model-ontlokkende aktiwiteite (MOA’s) as ‘n vertrekpunt gebruik is. ‘n Modelleringsperspektief is vir onderwyserleer in die ontwikkelingsprogram gekies. Die metodologie volg die beginsels van ontwerpnavorsing waarna ‘n drie-fase onderrig-eksperiment ontwerp en in werking gestel is. Die navorser en die onderwysers het byeengekom vir ontwikkelingsessies; die onderwysers is op ‘n gereelde basis tydens die program besoek om hul onderwyspraktyk waar te neem. Hul ontwikkelende didaktiseringspraktyke is gedokumenteer en die data is kwalitatief geanaliseer. Onderwysers se didaktiseringspraktyke het wel gedurende die negemaande program ontwikkeling getoon. Hierdie didaktiseringspraktyke het egter teen verskillende tempo’s ontwikkel en daarom kon ‘n hierargie van die ontwikkeling van didaktiseringspraktyke saamgestel word. Die impak van hierdie program op onderwysers se veranderende hulpbronne, doelstellings en oriëntasies is ook gemeet. Die drie aspekte het in hierdie nege maande verder ontwikkel. Die voorgestelde program in hierdie studie mag moontlik ‘n gepaste model wees om indiens en voornemende wiskundeonderwysers te ontwikkel. Die studie lewer ‘n bydrae tot ‘n beter begrip van onderwyserhandelinge in ‘n klaskamer, asook hoe onderwysers hul eie denke en praktyke kan verander.
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Newton, R. "Parents, children and primary school mathematics : experiences, identity and activity." Thesis, Oxford Brookes University, 2012. http://radar.brookes.ac.uk/radar/items/05820562-32e0-7d48-b0bc-f61faf8e0f9a/1.
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Parental involvement in children’s learning plays a significant role in attainment in primary school. However, in the case of mathematics, a core subject in the primary school curriculum, research suggests that parents face a number of barriers to involvement. Following an approach informed by the sociocultural theory, this project aimed to investigate parental involvement in children’s school mathematical learning through a focus upon experiences, identity and activity. Twenty-four parent-child pairs took part in the study. The children were all aged between 7 and 11 years old and attended primary schools in the UK. Parents took part in a semi-structured episodic interview and parent-child dyads were observed completing a 20-minute simulated school mathematical activity. Data analysis consisted of four phases. Firstly, interview responses were subjected to a thematic analysis to examine parental experiences of: (1) school mathematics, (2) parent-child mathematical activity, and (3) home-school communication. Secondly, the interview transcripts were analysed using dialogical self theory to investigate mathematical identity. This concentrated on how parents constructed a mathematical ‘self’, to describe themselves, and a mathematical ‘other’, to describe their children. Thirdly, the observations of parent-child mathematical activity were analysed for mathematical goals, contingency and scaffolding. Finally, the results of the second and third phases were compared to study the relationship between identity and goals. Analysis of parental experiences extended existing academic research in a number of areas. This included parental interaction strategies, particularly propinquity, and barriers to parental involvement, for instance divergent mathematical understandings. Uniquely, in applying dialogical self theory to study mathematical identity, this research showed how the mathematical ‘self’ and ‘other’ shift spatially and chronologically through participation in sociocultural activity. Identity formation was also shown to be a reflexive process that embraced a range of diverse social influences. Mathematical goals were seen to form and shift due to the activity structure, artefacts and conventions of the task, social interaction between the dyad, and the prior experience parents and children brought to the task. Analysing parentchild school mathematical interaction in this manner provides a distinctive contribution to understanding a widespread, but poorly understood social practice. The final stage of analysis indicated that the mathematical identities parents assigned to children more closely match the goals in parent-child mathematical activity than the mathematical identities parents constructed for themselves. The original and important findings generated by this project provide distinct implications for academics, educators and others working with parents and children.
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Khan, Shereen Alima. "Mathematics proficiency of primary school students in Trinidad and Tobago." Thesis, Teachers College, Columbia University, 2017. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10256768.
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To address the problem of underperformance in mathematics, Trinidad & Tobago introduced national tests to provide feedback to stakeholders, so that well-targeted interventions can be planned. After more than a decade of generating and sharing reports on performance with these stakeholders, results of national tests remained much the same. It was evident that the feedback was ineffective in instituting the desired changes. In keeping with Vygotsky’s notion that instruction can be improved by teaching within the child’s Zone of Proximal Development, this study devised a model, incorporating the principle of assessment for learning to provide feedback on student performance.
Data from the 2015 mathematics (Standard 3) national test was analysed to describe the proficiencies of students within each of four performance levels. Using a mixed methods design, a sample of 180 scripts was analysed to determine content-specific proficiencies. These were categorised into (i) what students know and can do (Zone of Achieved Development), (ii) what they can do with help (Zone of Proximal Development) and (iii) what they cannot do.
The findings indicated that students in the lower performing groups had deficiencies in reading and comprehension skills and this impacted on their mathematics performance. Division and multiplication algorithms posed difficulties for these students. Performance in measurement was poor, with only the top performing group demonstrating proficiency in this strand. Items requiring higher order thinking were challenging for all students. Inability to carry out mathematical modeling prevented students from obtaining correct answers to questions covering almost half of the test.
A key recommendation is that teachers be given support in planning and instructional strategies to cater for all learners. Intense, ongoing professional development, targeting problem solving, mathematical modeling, and teaching algorithms was recommended. To enable learners to experience more depth and less breadth in achieving competence in measurement, reform in curricula demands, assessment techniques and instructional strategies was suggested.
The study also called for re-conceptualising the design and implementation of national assessment. Such approaches should incorporate models that provide feedback on all curricula outcomes on a continuous basis, and empower teachers to analyse classroom data so as to diagnose student deficiencies.
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Leung, Hei Pak. "Evaluation of students' achievement and attitudes in primary school mathematics." Hong Kong : University of Hong Kong, 1994. http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkuto/record.jsp?B13999588.
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Tamburri, Sarah Jane. "Primary school teachers’ experience of mathematics education: A phenomenological study." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 2020. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/2321.
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Researchers and policymakers agree that all children can learn mathematics, and research has shown that teaching practices have a significant impact on student learning and achievement. Therefore, it is important that teachers are supported in their development as professionals and mathematics educators. This research gives a voice to a small number of primary school mathematics teachers, providing insight into their experience of mathematics education, from their perspective. In-depth interviews form the basis of data collection and these have been analysed through a transcendental phenomenological approach. The insights gained into teachers’ experiences and perspectives provide a deeper understanding of their role and opens the door to a necessary conversation on what success in mathematics looks like and how it can be best supported. The feeling of being time-poor was significant, contributing to a situation where teachers faced a choice between what they think would be best for students and meeting external requirements. The participants described how different schools vary, and how different working environments have impacted their experience of mathematics education. These new understandings have implications for policymakers, school leaders and professional learning providers, as they lead to recommendations regarding the curriculum, supportive working environments, and necessary resources for teachers.
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Marks, Rachel. "Discourses of ability and primary school mathematics : production, reproduction and transformation." Thesis, King's College London (University of London), 2012. https://kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/theses/discourses-of-ability-and-primary-school-mathematics(3cade1fa-b3cf-4874-8963-7b6acf7fbaf3).html.
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This thesis investigates how discourses of mathematical-ability are produced and reproduced by pupils and teachers in the primary classroom and the impacts of these on teaching and learning. Building on a literature base suggesting the often negative and self-fulfilling outcomes of ability labelling and grouping, the thesis embeds this literature strongly in primary mathematics, exploring why these practices not only continue, but form the basis of much Government and school organisational policy. -- Utilising a critical realist meta-theory, the thesis draws pragmatically from multiple traditions. Data were collected from approximately 300 pupils and 14 teachers in two primary schools. Individual and group-interviews and classroom observations explored pupils’ and teachers’ productions of their own and others’ mathematical-ability, with pupil questionnaires and attainment tests used to examine the extent to which these impact on pupil attainment and learning in mathematics. -- The thesis finds that discourses of ability are pervasive, embedded in all aspects of teaching and learning in primary mathematics, and resistant to change. Pupils and teachers are fairly consistent in their understanding of mathematical-ability; this is thought of as a stable, innate quality connected to intelligence and genetics or else conceptualised in terms of, and muddled with, assessment outcomes. Assessment, labelling and inequitable ability practices create pupils from an early age as mathematically able or not, whilst setting places the focus on the mathematics, effectively ignoring the whole-child, raising many of the concerns about setting in secondary mathematics in a primary context. Many teachers recognise the inequity in the practices they engage in, yet reproduce the inequitable practices they experienced.
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Wood, Trevor Ronald. "Portfolio assessment in primary school mathematics: a study of pedagogical implications." Thesis, Curtin University, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/2441.
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This thesis records a study of major change. The study was designed to reveal and address the implications for teachers of primary mathematics, of moving from test-based assessment to a base built upon a balanced blend of norm-referenced and criteria-based assessments. In developing embedded authentic assessment through a process portfolio model, the teachers looked to change from the assessment of learning to assessment for learning. Consequently, through the efforts of the teachers involved, their students and those students’ parents, the study traced a substantial pedagogical restructure. Based on an interpretative methodology, this study of significant assessment restructure used mainly qualitative approaches to data collection and analysis, supplemented by limited quantitative data. Interviews, participant observer interactions, surveys and joint teacher discussion and planning sessions were effective in mapping the change. Through frequent interaction, participating teachers shared their emerging understandings, along with difficulties and successes in the evolution and implementation of an effective, flexible process portfolio. From the beginning of the evolution, teachers working together to bring about improvements that would lead to students perceiving mathematics as meaningful, engendered a strong feeling of excitement, curiosity and ‘team’. As the change progressed the team identified and met a range of challenges, not the least of which was gaining an understanding of the nature and function of a process portfolio strategy as against the product portfolio which was in use at that time in the study school. The resultant change was not implemented without barriers.Of prime concern across the group of teachers involved was the perennial problem of finding development time in what were already busy teaching days. However, for the change to be meaningful and lasting, it was imperative that the teachers invested considerable time in assuming ownership through genuine engagement in the evolution of the new concept. The engagement saw teachers experience first-hand the application of constructivist learning theory. It was an approach to learning that was largely unfamiliar to them and one they needed to understand in developing a successful process portfolio model. The study of that learning and the resultant change illustrated that a well-designed process portfolio structure offers widely diverse opportunities for teachers and students to work meaningfully with authentic mathematics. The enthusiastic prolonged engagement on the part of the students, with notable parental support, was deemed by the participant teachers to be suitable reward for the time and effort that they invested over the two years of the study. Following the teachers’ prolonged commitment, the emergent portfolio was shared through an in-house booklet written to encourage other teachers to adopt authentic assessment, Process Portfolios in Primary Mathematics: A Guide. Within the booklet, explanation and illustration of the rationale, form and function of the unique process portfolio model offers starting points for others, should they embark on a similar course of assessment change in search of real student engagement in understanding mathematics. Subsequent sharing of the results of the study with the wider profession through journal articles and conference workshops is to be based on the contents of the guide booklet.
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Millett, Alison Margaret. "Using and applying mathematics : innovation and change in a primary school." Thesis, King's College London (University of London), 1996. https://kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/theses/using-and-applying-mathematics--innovation-and-change-in-a-primary-school(4dd9102d-9677-4ef1-bdb8-7999303002d4).html.
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Wood, Trevor Ronald. "Portfolio assessment in primary school mathematics : a study of pedagogical implications /." Curtin University of Technology, Science and Mathematics Education Centre, 2006. http://espace.library.curtin.edu.au:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=16675.
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This thesis records a study of major change. The study was designed to reveal and address the implications for teachers of primary mathematics, of moving from test-based assessment to a base built upon a balanced blend of norm-referenced and criteria-based assessments. In developing embedded authentic assessment through a process portfolio model, the teachers looked to change from the assessment of learning to assessment for learning. Consequently, through the efforts of the teachers involved, their students and those students’ parents, the study traced a substantial pedagogical restructure. Based on an interpretative methodology, this study of significant assessment restructure used mainly qualitative approaches to data collection and analysis, supplemented by limited quantitative data. Interviews, participant observer interactions, surveys and joint teacher discussion and planning sessions were effective in mapping the change. Through frequent interaction, participating teachers shared their emerging understandings, along with difficulties and successes in the evolution and implementation of an effective, flexible process portfolio. From the beginning of the evolution, teachers working together to bring about improvements that would lead to students perceiving mathematics as meaningful, engendered a strong feeling of excitement, curiosity and ‘team’. As the change progressed the team identified and met a range of challenges, not the least of which was gaining an understanding of the nature and function of a process portfolio strategy as against the product portfolio which was in use at that time in the study school. The resultant change was not implemented without barriers.Of prime concern across the group of teachers involved was the perennial problem of finding development time in what were already busy teaching days. However, for the change to be meaningful and lasting, it was imperative that the teachers invested considerable time in assuming ownership through genuine engagement in the evolution of the new concept. The engagement saw teachers experience first-hand the application of constructivist learning theory. It was an approach to learning that was largely unfamiliar to them and one they needed to understand in developing a successful process portfolio model. The study of that learning and the resultant change illustrated that a well-designed process portfolio structure offers widely diverse opportunities for teachers and students to work meaningfully with authentic mathematics. The enthusiastic prolonged engagement on the part of the students, with notable parental support, was deemed by the participant teachers to be suitable reward for the time and effort that they invested over the two years of the study. Following the teachers’ prolonged commitment, the emergent portfolio was shared through an in-house booklet written to encourage other teachers to adopt authentic assessment, Process Portfolios in Primary Mathematics: A Guide. Within the booklet, explanation and illustration of the rationale, form and function of the unique process portfolio model offers starting points for others, should they embark on a similar course of assessment change in search of real student engagement in understanding mathematics. Subsequent sharing of the results of the study with the wider profession through journal articles and conference workshops is to be based on the contents of the guide booklet.
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Amato, Solange. "Brazilian primary school student teachers' understanding of, and attitudes to, mathematics." Thesis, University of Oxford, 2001. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.395269.
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Howard, Peter T., of Western Sydney Nepean University, and Faculty of Education. "Primary teacher's attitudes toward the student use of calculators in primary (kindergarten-year 6) mathematics classes." THESIS_FE_XXX_Howard_P.xml, 1991. http://handle.uws.edu.au:8081/1959.7/133.
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The last fifteen years has seen an increase in the availability of calculators for use by schools and students. Educational authorities in Australia, the United States of America and the United Kingdom have come to recommend the student use of calculators from Kindergarten upwards. This recommendation has attracted continuing controversy, specifically regarding the use of, calculators in primary schools. Such controversy prompts an important question: What views do primary teachers themselves hold on this issue? This report examined the findings of a study into primary teachers' present attitudes toward the student use of calculators in primary mathematics classes. Data were collected from a questionnaire administered during 1990 to a sample of teachers undertaking their fourth year of study for a Bachelor of Education (Primary) at three university campuses in New South Wales, Australia. Those teachers who supported the primary student use of calculators believed that calculators are a technological tool for use in mathematics, that they increase childrens' confidence, they take the focus off computation in doing problems and that children use them outside the classroom. It was found that of these teachers, 55% supported the introduction of calculators before the end of Year 2. A total of 4% did not support their use at all in primary mathematics classes. This study concluded that there was not overall support from primary teachers for the introduction of the calculator into Kindergarten as recommended in the National Statement on the use of Calculators for Mathematics in Australian SchoolsMaster of Education
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Tan, Li-hua. "Primary school students' thinking processes when posing mathematical word problems." Hong Kong : University of Hong Kong, 2001. http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk:8888/cgi-bin/hkuto%5Ftoc%5Fpdf?B23425155.
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Devine, Amy. "Cognitive and emotional mathematics learning problems in primary and secondary school students." Thesis, University of Cambridge, 2017. https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/268028.
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This thesis systematically examined the link between developmental dyscalculia, a specific learning difficulty of mathematics, and mathematics anxiety, a negative emotional reaction to mathematics tasks. The link between these maths learning issues was examined by measuring their prevalence in large samples of English primary (N = 1004; N= 830) and secondary school (N = 927) students. Gender differences were also explored. Systematically varying diagnostic criteria for dyscalculia revealed that its prevalence ranged between 0.89-17.23 percent. When absolute performance thresholds were used, there was no gender difference in dyscalculia prevalence. The association of mathematics performance with other cognitive skills and mathematics anxiety was investigated longitudinally in subsamples of children with dyscalculia (n =10), typical mathematics performance (n=10) and high maths ability (n = 11). 80 percent of the children in the dyscalculia group still met the criteria for diagnosis at the final time point. Mathematics performance was positively associated with working memory performance and negatively associated with mathematics anxiety. Furthermore, children with dyscalculia had higher maths anxiety than the other two groups. The relationship between dyscalculia and high maths anxiety was estimated in a larger sample (N = 1757). Relatively few children with dyscalculia had high maths anxiety and the majority of students with high maths anxiety in fact had mathematics performance within or above the average range. Girls had higher maths anxiety than boys, and more girls had both dyscalculia and maths anxiety than boys. There was an expected negative correlation between maths anxiety and maths performance in the total sample, but this correlation was negligible in the children with dyscalculia. Collectively, these results suggest that cognitive and emotional mathematics problems are dissociable, and indicate that children with dyscalculia and maths anxiety likely require different types of intervention. Furthermore there appears to be no gender difference in maths performance or in the prevalence of dyscalculia. However, girls have higher maths anxiety than boys, and are more likely to be affected by maths anxiety alongside developmental dyscalculia. Maths anxiety may be a potential explanation for the underrepresentation of females in careers involving mathematics.
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Suggate, Jennifer. "The use of visual images in computer programs for primary school mathematics." Thesis, Open University, 1993. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.358076.
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Nyman, Martin. "What do students’ feel about mathematics? : Compulsory school students’ emotions and motivation towards mathematics." Licentiate thesis, Stockholms universitet, Institutionen för matematikämnets och naturvetenskapsämnenas didaktik, 2020. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:su:diva-186626.
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This licentiate thesis deals with compulsory school students’ expressed emotions and motivation towards mathematics. Theoretically, it has been guided by Hannula’s meta-theory on affect (e.g., 2012), of which emotion and motivation are part. In this thesis, emotion is defined using models from Schirmer (2015), and motivation correspondingly by Shunk et al. (2010). In the analysis, a model for emotion developed by Lövheim (2012), and models for motivation proposed by Ryan & Deci (e.g., 2000) and later further developed by Sumpter (2012), were adopted. This thesis focuses on two studies. In the first study, in search of nuanced knowledge about students’ experiences of mathematics, a primarily qualitative approach was adopted in interviews conducted with 19 primary school students. The results reported in Paper I (Nyman & Sumpter, 2019) confirm previous research which found that students express both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation for doing mathematics. But the results also indicate further motivational nuances, and I propose a division of each dimension into six subcategories. The results reported in Paper II (Nyman, in press) indicate that students’ negative emotions towards mathematics are directed towards themselves, as shame or distress, and not externally as anger. The results also indicate that there are connections between emotion and other affective concepts such as motivation and social dimensions, but also more technical aspects, for example, being allowed to listen to music. The second study, reported in Paper III (in preparation), gathered questionnaire data from 222 grade 8 and grade 9 students, and aimed to compare differences between the two grades as well as between boys and girls. The results show that the only significant difference between boys and girls is on issues relating to motivation: Girls generally express being more extrinsically motivated to doing mathematics than boys.
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Al-Washmi, Reem. "Engagement and collaboration in the effectiveness of games for learning primary school mathematics." Thesis, University of Nottingham, 2016. http://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/33780/.
Full textAbstract:
Since the arrival of the personal computer in the early 1980s people have been advocating the use of computer games in aiding teaching and learning. However the increasing prevalence of computers in the early years of the 21st century led to the introduction of the idea of the “digital native” – those who were born since the dawn of the age of the ubiquitous computer. It was then argued widely that this generation would now need to be taught using computer games and that conventional education was not working. This view has been modified since but there still exists arguments for the use of computer games in many areas of education. This thesis looks at the potential benefits of computer games in aiding the teaching of mathematics in primary schools. The particular focus of the research has been whether collaborative computer games if properly designed with the learning outcomes encoded in the game mechanic would be more valuable in promoting engagement with mathematics problem solving than other more conventional methods. A number of hypotheses were developed based on the current theories and designed to be tested for validity. To carry out this investigation a number of studies have been undertaken. A literature review was focused on the methods used to teach mathematics in primary schools, the value of collaboration and the use of computer games in education. This was followed up with a study in a primary school to validate the basic findings from the literature review. A user centred design study began with a trial of a commercial game that was meant to promote collaboration in primary school children’s game play to ascertain what components best promoted collaboration. Interviews with teachers and pupils were also used to develop the ideas behind a game that was suitably themed for the age group. This was then pilot tested for playability and usability along with a dice game that had been adapted from some commercially available games for use in a later controlled experiment in which the effectiveness of the game designed was tested against the control with groups of children from the UK Key Stage 2 (7 to 11 year olds). The hypotheses were evaluated against the results of the controlled experiment. The idea that computer games themselves would always work in promoting learning were disproved but the value of games (both computer and non-computer games) as an adjunct to conventional teaching in collaborative settings was shown to be valuable in promoting engagement with mathematics. It was also clear that these games promoted learning among those who were in the group of low achievers in mathematics.
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Li, Fu-ming Baldwin. "Using diagrams to solve word problems involving percentage in primary six students." Click to view the E-thesis via HKUTO, 2005. http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkuto/record/B35676802.
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Howe, Peter A., and n/a. "Designing and evaluating an inservice model for mathematics education in the primary school." University of Canberra. Education, 1987. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20060726.164520.
Full textAbstract:
The study presents a review of in-service models and a search
for an effective in-service model for mathematics education in
the primary school.
The study considers the need to improve the teaching of
mathematics in the primary school; the major reports that have
made recommendations for the improvement of primary mathematics
teaching and the opinions and findings of mathematics
educators. The study examines the state of the art of
in-service models and examines those models previously used.
The study notes the failings of the in-service models past and
present and examines elements within these models which have
proven to be beneficial albeit in part. Throughout the study
particular attention is given to recent studies concerned with
implementing and sustaining change.
The model designed for the in-service of the primary mathematics
teacher, MINC (Mathematics In-service Network Course) is based
on an examination of models past and present. Components and
provisions that have met with success in these models were
included in the design.
The in-service model developed and described in this study
includes four major components input from course leaders and
teachers, reflection, feedback and the opportunity for teachers
to work with others from the same school and neighbouring
schools (networking).
A major section of the study examines the responses of
participants to an evaluation questionnaire given at the
completion of the first in-service course, MINC 1 and the
second, MINC 2.
Data collected from the responses of participants to the
questionnaire were analysed to see if there were differences in
responses from teachers based on such factors as sex, the MINC
network, the level to which participants had studied
mathematics, the year level they taught and expressed confidence
in teaching mathematics.
In conclusion, the study reflects on the evaluation of the
in-service course and addresses considerations for future
in-service courses concerned with mathematics education for
primary teachers.
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Wilson, Susanna Mary. "Knowledge for teaching mathematics in a primary school: Perspectives of pre-service teachers." Thesis, University of Canterbury. Educational Studies and Human Development, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10092/5187.
Full textAbstract:
Knowledge about how to teach remains a contentious issue in the preparation of final year pre-service teachers. This study, informed by the work of Shulman (1986) and Grossman (1990), examines knowledge for mathematics teaching by pre-service teachers. The context for this study was a mathematics education course, part of an Initial Teacher Education programme for primary teaching. Different categories of teacher knowledge distinguish between content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge. There is considerable research about the knowledge needed for teaching mathematics from a teacher perspective, but limited research from a pre-service teacher perspective. This study focussed on knowledge that pre-service teachers develop and the processes they engaged in to construct knowledge for mathematics teaching.
This is a qualitative and interpretive study, where participants were third year pre-service teachers. Data collection tools were questionnaires and focus group interviews. One interview made use of an artefact, a curriculum plan for mathematics, generated by the pre-service teachers as they participated in the mathematics education course. A thematic analysis approach was used to analyse the data and to inform an emerging theoretical framework.
During this study, I developed a model that illustrates some important processes for pre-service teachers in a curriculum context. The Pre-service Teacher Development Model consists of three processes; recognising, reconceptualising and realising. These three processes illustrate how pre-service teachers develop knowledge about teaching mathematics in a primary school. The pre-service teachers identified the importance of mathematical curriculum and content knowledge in their preparation for teaching. This study also identified that the needs of pre-service teachers are unique. Whereas teachers with experience have a “privileged repertoire” of practices to draw on when teaching, pre-service teachers are beginning to develop this repertoire. This study serves to highlight the challenges for pre-service teachers as they prepare to transition to their first year of teaching.
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Koljonen, Tuula. "Finnish Teacher Guides in Mathematics : Resources for primary school teachers in designing teaching." Licentiate thesis, Mälardalens högskola, Akademin för utbildning, kultur och kommunikation, 2014. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:mdh:diva-25806.
Full textAbstract:
Previous research worldwide has shown that curriculum materials maintain a strong presence and constitute an important tool, artefact, in mathematics classrooms. Yet, there is a vast lack of research on the design and the characteristics of teacher guides. The thesis aims to: 1) investigate the features of the Finnish teacher guides for mathematics at primary school and 2) map the cultural specificities and norms for classroom practices as construed in Finnish teacher guides. The data consist of nine Finnish teacher guides in mathematics (belonging to three textbook series) for Grades 1-6 and comprise almost 90 percent of the teacher guides utilized in Finnish schools for 2008. These teacher guides are examined through three studies. In the first study, we developed an analytical tool based on Davis and Krajcik’s ideas about educative curriculum materials when analysing the teacher guides’ content. In the second study, we analysed a larger sample of the Finnish teacher guides using the same analytical tool, but extending the study to also analyse their form, i.e. their look, structure and voice. This study shows that there is a wide consensus on both the content and the form of the guides. While several educative aspects are weakly presented in the guides, the analysis shows that they offer rich and varied resources for teachers in their everyday work in designing and enacting mathematics teaching and hence, learning in practice. The third study delves more deeply into the characteristics of the support the guides offer to design mathematics classrooms. We characterize the cultural script of the reflected classroom practice by analysing the form and the function of the activities promoted in most of the guides. We found a relatively homogeneous script that promotes differentiation while keeping students in the same mathematical area, opportunities to participate in whole-class interaction that comprises a variety of activities, like mental calculation, games, problem-solving, individual and group work, and small piece of homework after every single lesson. The thesis contributes to the international research discourse on curriculum materials and in particular on teacher guides as resources for design of mathematics classroom in a specific educational context. The study is also of interest for teachers, and for text-book authors in developing teacher guides in line with research.Tidigare forskning visar att läromedel, så som elevernas lärobok och lärarhandledningar är den resurs som används i huvudsak som grund för matematikundervisning. Finsk forskning visar dessutom att finländska lärare (åk 1-6) i stor utsträckning använder lärarhandledningar i själva undervisningen och även för att planera och organisera sin undervisning. Studiens övergripande syfte är att se vilken typ av resurs de finländska lärarhandledningar utgör för läraren, men också att belysa vilken typ av klassrum som dessa lärarhandledningar verkar främja, då lärarna använder de uppgifter och aktiviteter som presenteras i lärarhandledningarna. Studien är genomförd som en dokumentanalys av tre läroboksserier i matematik för grundskolans årskurser 1, 3 och 6. Det är totalt nio lärarhandledningar som har analyserats. Dessa tre läroboksserier täcker nästan 90 procent av de lärarhandledningar som användes i och på finska skolor under år 2008. Avhandlingen består av tre studier. I den första studien som också betraktas som pilotstudie, utvecklade vi ett fungerande analytiskt verktyg som bygger på Davis och Krajciks idéer om ”lärande läromedel”. I den andra studien fördjupar vi resultaten från pilotstudien genom att analysera ett större urval med samma ramverk. Denna studie visar att det finns en bred enighet om både innehåll och form i lärarhandledningarna och vi identifierade sex återkommande aktiviteter som är närvarande på varje tilltänkt lektion. Vidare visar analysen att egenskaperna hos de finländska lärarhandledningarna erbjuder rika och varierande resurser för lärare i det dagliga arbetet vid både planering och genomförande av matematikundervisning. Den tredje studien är en fördjupning i analysverktygets femte kategori för att finna vilket stöd de erbjuder för att designa undervisning. Där kartlägger och karakteriserar vi det kulturella skript utifrån de finska lärarhandledningarna genom att analysera både form och funktion av de gemensamt föreslagna återkommande aktiviteterna. Vi identifierade en relativt homogen klassrumspraktik som lyfter fram helklassinteraktion, variation med hjälp av olika typer av aktiviteter, möjlighet för alla elever att delta och läxor som en förlängning av lärande av lektionens innehåll. Avhandlingen mynnar ut i en diskussion av resultatens slutsatser och dess praktiska implikationer, vilket kan vara av intresse för forskare, läromedelsförfattare men även för lärare, rektorer och kommuner som vill utveckla och förbättra undervisningen i matematik. Avhandlingen bidrar till den internationella forskningsdiskursen om läromedel i stort och om lärarhandledningar i synnerhet.
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Harsono, Mariana. "The Impact of Lesson Study on Primary School Teachers’ Knowledge and Skills in Differentiating Primary School Mathematics Instruction: A Digital Mixed Methods Approach." Thesis, Curtin University, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/48463.
Full textAbstract:
This digital mixed methods study was conducted in two Indonesian primary schools to investigate the impact of Lesson Study on teachers’ knowledge and skills in differentiating mathematics instruction to meet the various abilities of the students. The lessons were videoed and analysed using Multimodal Analysis Video software to study the relations between Mathematical Pedagogical Content Knowledge and the teachers’ actions in differentiating mathematics instruction. The findings suggest that Lesson Study can be a vehicle for enhancing teachers’ knowledge to differentiate the instruction.
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Dalvi, Rubina. "A case study of the constitution of school mathematics for the deaf in three primary school classrooms." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/12011.
Full textAbstract:
Includes abstract.Includes bibliographical references.
This dissertation presents an investigation of the constitution of mathematics for a group of deaf learners in grades 4, 5 and 6. These learners were taught in sign language on the topics of integers, time and fractions. Four lessons were observed and video-recorded. The lessons were transcribed from sign language to English.
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Anderson, Judith Anne, and res cand@acu edu au. "An Investigation of Primary School Teachers' Problem-Solving Beliefs and Practices in Mathematics Classrooms." Australian Catholic University. School of Education, 2000. http://dlibrary.acu.edu.au/digitaltheses/public/adt-acuvp198.01072009.
Full textAbstract:
Aims. Problem-solving approaches to teaching mathematics have been recommended in curriculum documents for some time but there is evidence to suggest that there has been limited classroom implementation both in Australia as well as overseas. This investigation explored the level of implementation of mathematical problem solving in primary classrooms in NSW. Teachers' beliefs about the role of problem solving in learning mathematics as well as their classroom practices were also investigated. To explore what teachers believe and what they do in relation to problem solving, this investigation examined primary school teachers' reported beliefs about the role of problem solving in learning mathematics and their reported practices in classrooms. It aimed to discover how beliefs about mathematical problem solving influenced decision making in teachers' classrooms and what factors promoted and hindered the implementation of problem-solving approaches. The results of this investigation could provide benefits to several different groups involved in mathematics education. Preservice teacher educators and presenters of inservice education courses could benefit from increased knowledge about the role of beliefs in determining practices as well as potential constraints on desirable practices. Associated with this may be the need to challenge teachers' beliefs that might not support the development of practices that promote problem-solving approaches. For practising teachers, professional development could focus on examining their beliefs and providing the necessary support for teachers to realise the aim of assisting their pupils to achieve problem-solving competence. Curriculum developers may benefit from an increased awareness of the difficulties associated with implementing recommended approaches. Finally, participating teachers may benefit from their involvement in the investigation through opportunities to reflect on their practice while completing the survey instrument as well as during interview discussions with the researcher. Scope. Data collection focused on teachers' beliefs about mathematics, teaching mathematics and learning mathematics, as well as on their reported practices since all of these factors impact on what occurs in teachers' classrooms. A combination of methods was used to collect data so that there was increased confidence in the research findings. In this way, the results of one method could be tested against another for consistency, thus enhancing trustworthiness and dependability. The data collection for this investigation was divided into two phases. The first phase involved the use of a questionnaire to seek data on teachers' reported problem solving beliefs and practices as little is known overall in this area, particularly within the context of Australian teachers. Responses were received from 162 primary school teachers currently teaching in NSW. The instrument was designed with reference to similar instruments that had been used by other researchers in the field and incorporated a combination of closed and open questions. The second phase of data collection incorporated interviews and observations that were conducted in the field. These methods were used to explore the problem-solving teaching approaches used by a small number of teachers in particular school settings. To collect data about teachers' planning for instruction, and opportunities that support or constrain innovative practices, it was more appropriate to explore particular contexts that would provide a rich set of data. Conclusions. Analyses of data confirmed the spread of teachers' beliefs, the diversity of their practice, and revealed issues that could hinder their problem-solving efforts in classrooms. A small group of surveyed teachers reported holding very traditional views that were quite distinct from another group who reported support for very contemporary views. These differences were also apparent in relation to reported classroom practices and appeared to be linked to the current teaching grade level of the respondents. This was confirmed during the interviews and observations as it seems easier for teachers of the lower primary grades to implement practices identified as supporting problem-solving approaches. For teachers of upper primary grades, parents' and school expectations impinge on teachers' practices and potentially constrain their problem-solving efforts. For the two teachers who participated in the classroom observations, considerable energy was required to resist constraints and implement problem-solving approaches. Recommendations for practice and future research include the need for an examination of constraints on practice, the role of reflective practice in implementing innovative practices, the viability of teaching through problem solving as a necessary and important teaching approach, and the use of a variety of problem types in preparing students to be successful problem solvers. In addition, teachers may need to be encouraged to continually reflect on practice and teacher educators may need to raise the awareness of preservice and inservice teachers to the issues involved in implementing problem-solving approaches in their classrooms.
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Tan, Li-hua, and 陳麗華. "Primary school students' thinking processes when posing mathematical word problems." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2001. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B31962592.
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Yuen, Kam-chao. "Teachers' and school heads' beliefs and feelings regarding calculator use in primary mathematics in Hong Kong." Hong Kong : University of Hong Kong, 1996. http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkuto/record.jsp?B17597481.
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Anderson, Judith Anne. "An investigation of primary school teachers' problem-solving beliefs and practices in mathematics classrooms." Thesis, Australian Catholic University, 2000. https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/download/15be8798f6b4bd54ac5e8734492e5db471522ab47e4a26473b17a3edb67d0696/26985684/64461_downloaded_stream_4.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
Aims. Problem-solving approaches to teaching mathematics have been recommended in curriculum documents for some time but there is evidence to suggest that there has been limited classroom implementation both in Australia as well as overseas. This investigation explored the level of implementation of mathematical problem solving in primary classrooms in NSW. Teachers' beliefs about the role of problem solving in learning mathematics as well as their classroom practices were also investigated.
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Forrester, Patricia A. "A novice primary school teacher's attempt to teach mathematics for understanding a self-study /." View thesis, 2007. http://handle.uws.edu.au:8081/1959.7/35416.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Western Sydney, 2007.A thesis presented to the University of Western Sydney, College of Arts, School of Education, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Teaching and Educational Studies. Includes bibliographies.
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Yusof, Jamilah. "Mathematics errors in fractions work: a longitudinal study of primary level pupils in Brunei." Thesis, Curtin University, 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/1803.
Full textAbstract:
This study examined the different types of mathematical errors exhibited by primary level pupils in Brunei when working with fractions. In addition, the study examined pupils' attitudes towards the learning of fractions and investigated if there were gender differences among Bruneian pupils' performances with fractions and with their attitudes towards fractions. The study was longitudinal in nature and its two phases involved a single cohort of Primary 5 pupils followed through a full year period in four government-funded primary schools in Brunei Darussalam. Pupils' mathematical errors were assessed by means of researcher-developed paper-and-pencil tests, while pupils' attitudes towards the learning of fractions were measured by means of an adapted version of attitude questionnaire that has been used previously with Bruneian pupils. Guided by six research questions, a number of statistical analyses were carried out to ensure the validity and reliability of the instruments used. These included piloting and revising the instruments, the use of Cronbach's alpha with the items in the attitude questionnaire, and the calculation of the Pearson Product Correlation Coefficient between scales of the questionnaire. The data was analysed by calculating the percentages and means of occurrences of each type of error. Paired and independent sample t-tests were carried out in order to investigate gender differences in pupils' errors and the impact of further instruction on fraction at the P6 level, while the GLM test was administered in order to investigate if there were significant change in pupils' attitudes towards fractions from the pre- to the posttests. Qualitative information obtained through pupils' interviews, field notes and lesson observations was used to support the quantitative data.The study revealed that though pupils' achievement in the post-test improved, their performances on fraction work remained generally unsatisfactory. Many pupils in the study continued to have difficulty with the basic operations on fractions and resorted to the use of keyword strategies in dealing with word problems. Despite the pupils' unsatisfactory performance in the diagnostic tests, they generally held very positive attitudes towards the learning of fractions. No significant gender differences were observed either in pupils' performance in working with fractions tasks nor with their attitudes towards the learning of fractions. The findings of this study also highlight a number of issues for mathematics teachers to consider when dealing with fractions, and the findings also have implications for the quality of the instructional activities provided by the teachers, for the impact of language transfer in the medium of instruction - that is, from Bahasa Melayu to English at the pupils' Primary 4 level- and for the quality of the teacher training program in Brunei.
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Fung, Chun-ip. "Pedagogical content knowledge versus subject matter knowledge, an illustration in the primary school mathematics context of Hong Kong /." Hong Kong : University of Hong Kong, 1999. http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk:8888/cgi-bin/hkuto%5Ftoc%5Fpdf?B2280559x.
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Hawthorne, Wendy, and n/a. "Classroom encounters and mathematics curriculum change : a single-site school improvement study." University of Canberra. Education, 1988. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20060720.152732.
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In November, 1986, Mrs Lorna Ireland; Principal of Junee Primary School in the
Riverina Region of New South Wales; approached a Senior Lecturer in Mathematics
Education at Riverina-Murray Institute of Higher Education in Wagga Wagga; seeking
his involvement in a project aimed to assist teachers at the school with their
mathematics teaching. In addition to the planned involvement in 1987 of this
mathematics educator, the school was also to be a pilot school for the trialling of a
strand of the New South Wales Education Department's Draft Mathematics Curriculum
and a participating school in the numeracy component of the federal government's
Basic Learning in Primary Schools program.
This study documents the mathematics education activities which involved Junee
Primary School teachers in 1987. It focuses on the RMIHE involvement in the school
but considers this in the context of broader mathematics curriculum activity. The
process of change is described within a theoretical framework derived from a review
of relevant literature.
The research methodology employed is fundamentally ethnographic and relies on the
collection of qualitative data to derive descriptions of people and events. The data
analysis relates to curriculum change, the role of the change agent and the role of
mathematics educators in school mathematics programs. A discussion of outcomes
highlights the strengths of an approach to curriculum change which had its genesis in
the school rather than in some external agency. The generation of problems and issues
and the resolution of these are features of the analysis which tracks the progress
towards professional development autonomy of one group of teachers.
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Yuen, Kam-chao, and 袁錦秋. "Teachers' and school heads' beliefs and feelings regarding calculator use in primary mathematics in Hong Kong." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 1996. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B31959180.
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Jellis, Rebecca Mary. "Primary children's interpretation and use of illustrations in school mathematics textbooks and non routine problems : a school based investigation." Thesis, Durham University, 2008. http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/1333/.
Full textAbstract:
Illustrations form a major part of our increasingly visual world. They penetrate all aspects of life and are of particular importance to children when they are learning to read not only because they illustrate the text but also by providing the cues used to comprehend text. Unfortunately, this reliance, although essential in the early understanding of reading, may become a false friend when the illustration misinfonns or conflicts with the text. As publishers compete for their share ofthe education market, mathematics textbooks have tended to become more highly illustrated with eye-catching pictures designed to motivate pupils. However some ofthese illustrations may be detrimental in tenns of their misleading effect upon children's ability to read the associated text effectively. Using two main textbooks schemes in current use, the extent and value ofthe illustrations in each is considered. Initially, a small group ofnine children were observed and questioned while they were working on mathematical tasks from the textbooks, and examples from this small study show how children's mathematical thinking can be compromised by misunderstandings arising from the misreading of illustrations. Subsequently, using one hundred and twenty-eight Year 3 children from three primary schools, the effect illustrations may have upon children's mathematical perfonnance was examined further. Using non-routine mathematics questions the sample group were given different illustrated versions of challenging mathematics questions. The effect upon their mathematical success ofvarious types of illustration and the varying relations ofthese illustrations to the text was analysed. Work from smaller sample groups was then examined to investigate whether those with a low' reading age were further compromised by the misleading illustrations. In addition, the mathematical work ofeighty-one children was examined in relation to their learning styles. Nine children were questioned as they examined the previous mathematical work ofother children and their comments about how other children might approach mathematical problems provided a greater understanding ofhow children might become misled by illustrations. The overall findings of the study indicate that children ofthis age may still be reliant on using illustrations to comprehend mathematical questions. Therefore in their calculations some children may be compromised in their mathematics success ifthe illustration does not support the question but instead in some way contradicts its intentions. This means that designers and teachers need to be greater aware of the influence illustrations have beyond that of motivation or decoration.
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Brown, Andrew. "Parental participation, positioning and pedagogy : a sociological study of the IMPACT primary school mathematics project." Thesis, University College London (University of London), 1999. http://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/10006616/.
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Siu, Ha-ping Angel, and 蕭霞萍. "Using web-based assessment for learning and teaching primary mathematics." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2004. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B30424574.
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Owens, Kay Dianne, and mikewood@deakin edu au. "Spatial thinking processes employed by primary school students engaged in mathematical problem solving." Deakin University, 1993. http://tux.lib.deakin.edu.au./adt-VDU/public/adt-VDU20050826.100440.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis describes changes in the spatial thinking of Year 2 and Year 4 students who participated in a six-week long spatio-mathematical program. The main investigation, which contained quantitative and qualitative components, was designed to answer questions which were identified in a comprehensive review of pertinent literatures dealing with (a) young children's development of spatial concepts and skills, (b) how students solve problems and learn in different types of classrooms, and (c) the special roles of visual imagery, equipment, and classroom discourse in spatial problem solving.
The quantitative investigation into the effects of a two-dimensional spatial program used a matched-group experimental design. Parallel forms of a specially developed spatio-mathematical group test were administered on three occasionsbefore, immediately after, and six to eight weeks after the spatial program. The test contained items requiring spatial thinking about two-dimensional space and other items requiring transfer to thinking about three-dimensional space. The results of the experimental group were compared with those of a control group who were involved in number problem-solving activities. The investigation took into account gender and year at school. In addition, the effects of different classroom organisations on spatial thinking were investigated~one group worked mainly individually and the other group in small cooperative groups.
The study found that improvements in scores on the delayed posttest of two-dimensional spatial thinking by students who were engaged in the spatial learning experiences were statistically significantly greater than those of the control group when pretest scores were used as covariates. Gender was the only variable to show an effect on the three-dimensional delayed posttest.
The study also attempted to explain how improvements in, spatial thinking occurred. The qualitative component of the study involved students in different contexts. Students were video-taped as they worked, and much observational and interview data were obtained and analysed to develop categories which were described and inter-related in a model of children's responsiveness to spatial problem-solving experiences. The model and the details of children's thinking were related to literatures on visual imagery, selective attention, representation, and concept construction.
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Swincicky, Kevin Bohdan. "A study of a nation-wide pilot program in school mathematics." Curtin University of Technology, Science and Mathematics Education Centre, 2008. http://espace.library.curtin.edu.au:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=118240.
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There has been much debate over many years in the Australian Federal Parliament on the implementation of a national curriculum in mathematics. In 2004, the Government, under the direction of the then Minister for Education Brendon Nelson, initiated a national mathematics program for students in lower secondary high schools and primary schools. The Australian International Centre for Excellence was commissioned to implement a pilot program and called for expressions of interest to participate from high schools across the nation. At that time I was working as the Acting Head of the Mathematics Department at a senior high school in a large Western Australian country centre. I was concerned with the content and level of difficulty in many of the textbooks that were available for our students and also the processes used in these textbooks (or by teachers) to assist students to gain mastery of the basic mathematical concepts in the Outcome Number. I decided to apply to participate in the pilot program on behalf of my school, and my application was accepted. In the first stage of the program two classes of both Year 8 and Year 9 students were selected. One of my cooperative colleagues and I found out very early that the Year 8 ICE-EM textbook was too difficult for many of these students as they lacked the skills to do much of the work in the Outcome Number. These students had very different learning experiences in their primary school mathematics, with schools and teachers placing different emphases on each of the Outcomes in mathematics. The opportunity to modify our school's Year 8 program and to implement change in the high schools' feeder primary schools occurred with the second stage of the pilot program's Transition Phases 1 and 2, due for implementation in 2007.Twelve teachers and 329 students from the high school and feeder primary schools became involved at the second state of the pilot program. All students were provided with a textbook, and teachers were free to choose how or when these books would be used with their students. Surveys were administered to teachers and students at the beginning of the year and end of the first semester. Tests were designed and administered throughout the study and comparisons were made with the student's WAMSE (Western Australian Monitoring Standards in Education) score. WALNA (Western Australian Literacy and Numeracy Assessment) and the Department of Education and the University of Western Australia's WAMSE scores were used to investigate changes in students' achievement and progress. Interviews with teachers and students were conducted to review the pilot program and investigate anomalies in students' results. The study found differences in students' Achievement and Progress based on WAMSE scores. Most teachers who adopted the program believed that it led to improved student learning and understanding of Number concepts in mathematics. All teachers at the high school and its feeder primary schools have continued to use the ICE-EM textbooks as part of their teaching and learning program. Increased uniformity among the primary schools was beneficial for the high school's Year 8 mathematics program. The results also indicated the need for caution when using State and National testing to report on student progress and achievement.
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Yusof, Jamilah. "Mathematics errors in fractions work : a longitudinal study of primary level pupils in Brunei /." Curtin University of Technology, Science and Mathematics Education Centre, 2003. http://espace.library.curtin.edu.au:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=15027.
Full textAbstract:
This study examined the different types of mathematical errors exhibited by primary level pupils in Brunei when working with fractions. In addition, the study examined pupils' attitudes towards the learning of fractions and investigated if there were gender differences among Bruneian pupils' performances with fractions and with their attitudes towards fractions. The study was longitudinal in nature and its two phases involved a single cohort of Primary 5 pupils followed through a full year period in four government-funded primary schools in Brunei Darussalam. Pupils' mathematical errors were assessed by means of researcher-developed paper-and-pencil tests, while pupils' attitudes towards the learning of fractions were measured by means of an adapted version of attitude questionnaire that has been used previously with Bruneian pupils. Guided by six research questions, a number of statistical analyses were carried out to ensure the validity and reliability of the instruments used. These included piloting and revising the instruments, the use of Cronbach's alpha with the items in the attitude questionnaire, and the calculation of the Pearson Product Correlation Coefficient between scales of the questionnaire. The data was analysed by calculating the percentages and means of occurrences of each type of error. Paired and independent sample t-tests were carried out in order to investigate gender differences in pupils' errors and the impact of further instruction on fraction at the P6 level, while the GLM test was administered in order to investigate if there were significant change in pupils' attitudes towards fractions from the pre- to the posttests. Qualitative information obtained through pupils' interviews, field notes and lesson observations was used to support the quantitative data.The study revealed that though pupils' achievement in the post-test improved, their performances on fraction work remained generally unsatisfactory. Many pupils in the study continued to have difficulty with the basic operations on fractions and resorted to the use of keyword strategies in dealing with word problems. Despite the pupils' unsatisfactory performance in the diagnostic tests, they generally held very positive attitudes towards the learning of fractions. No significant gender differences were observed either in pupils' performance in working with fractions tasks nor with their attitudes towards the learning of fractions. The findings of this study also highlight a number of issues for mathematics teachers to consider when dealing with fractions, and the findings also have implications for the quality of the instructional activities provided by the teachers, for the impact of language transfer in the medium of instruction - that is, from Bahasa Melayu to English at the pupils' Primary 4 level- and for the quality of the teacher training program in Brunei.
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Dale, Joyce Margaret, and mikewood@deakin edu au. "Calculators, mathematics and young children: A study of six children using calculators as part of the mathematics curriculum during their first two years of school." Deakin University. School of scientific and developmental studies, 2003. http://tux.lib.deakin.edu.au./adt-VDU/public/adt-VDU20050825.095343.
Full textAbstract:
The thesis investigates the role a calculator can play in the developing number knowledge of three girls and three boys as part of their mathematics program, during their first two years at primary school. Random sampling was used initially to select six girls and six boys from the twenty-four children entering a 1993 prep class. These twelve children were interviewed on entrance to school and based on the performance of the twelve children on the initial interview, a girl and a boy were chosen from the higher, middle and lower achievers to take part in the full study. The class teachers involved were previously participants in the Calculators in Primary Mathematics research program and were committed to the use of calculators in their mathematics program.
A case study approach using qualitative methods within the activity theory framework is used to collect relevant data and information, an analysis of five interviews with each child and observations of the children in forty-one classroom lessons provides comprehensive data on the children's developing number knowledge during the two years. The analysis questionnaires establishes each teacher's perceptions of the children's number learning at the beginning and end of each year, compares teacher expectations with children's actual performance for the year and compares curriculum expectations with children's actual performance. A teacher interview established reasons for changes in teaching style; teacher expectations; children's number learning; and was used to confirm my research findings.
An activity theory framework provides an appropriate means of co-coordinating perspectives within this research to enable a description of the child's number learning within a social environment. This framework allows for highlighting the mediation offered by the calculator supporting the children's number learning in the classroom.
Levels of children's developing number knowledge reached when working with a calculator and as a result of calculator use are mapped against the levels recommended in Mathematics in the National Curriculum (National Curriculum Council, December 1988), and the Curriculum and Standards Framework: Mathematics (Board of Studies 2000). Findings from this comparison illustrate that the six children's performance in number was enhanced when using a calculator and indicate that on-going development and understanding of number concepts occurred at levels of performance at least two years in advance of curriculum recommendations for the first two years of school.
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Chantler, Edward Wilmot James. "An investigation into the behaviour of a group of primary school children when using selected mathematical software." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 1987. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/17660.
Full textAbstract:
Includes Course Papers.Includes bibliographies.
Very little is known about how young children think and behave when faced by computers and the broad array of mathematical software available. Much of the software has been developed by adults in the way adults see young children reasoning. A class of twenty English-speaking boys of approximately 12 years of age were exposed to carefully selected mathematical software without adult (teacher) interference, to clarify how these pupils would react to that software. Special focus was placed on the interactions of three children throughout the series of twenty lessons, using two video cameras to record their behaviour. The size of the groupings was changed to consider the effect of group size on the pupils' interactions. Various 'themes' evolved out of reviewing the video recordings. These 'themes' were then linked to Research data. It appears that these pupils had great trouble in reading and interpreting instructions accurately. Also, the software made assumptions of what the pupils could do. The interaction and collaboration by the boys seemed at its best when they were in a group of two as 'peer equals'. The class recognised and used the services of those boys they considered 'experts' in the use of computers. The video-recordings showed that the pupils preferred having pencil and paper available to record information and their estimations, rather than having to rely on memory. It seemed to give permanence to their thoughts and make these more explicit and organised. An analysis of the data also showed that the software and the boys' reaction to it was distinctly sexist. The names of the software (SNOOKER, PILOT, MATHS - CARS IN MOTION, etc.) can be seen as male. The boys gave the computer a 'personality' and referred to it as a 'he'. Also, a disturbing tendency among these pupils was the way they interpreted the software and reacted to it in a distinctive military fashion. This can be attributed to the boys having to battle, explode or bomb their way to victory; to shoot something or be shot in much of the software available. My role of being 'non-expert' was an extremely difficult one as the pupils had expectations of me, and the shortcomings in the software obliged some form of interference. My conclusions are that the mathematical software needs to be appropriate and relevant to what is being done in the class rather than to exist on its own outside of it, and that it could aid the pupil to think about his thinking.
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Lindh, Izabella. "Hur lärare kan motivera och intressera elever för matematik." Thesis, Högskolan Dalarna, Institutionen för lärarutbildning, 2021. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:du-36839.
Full textAbstract:
De senaste undersökningarna som gjorts i svenska skolan visar att elever i grundskolan underpresterar i ämnet matematik, vidare är en stor del av eleverna också ointresserade av ämnet. Denna studie har fokuserat på vilka didaktiska val lärare i årskurs 1–3 kan göra för att motivera och intressera elever för matematikämnet. Intervjuer har genomförts på lärare från olika skolor i en mindre kommun i mellersta Sverige. De intervjuade lärarna har beskrivit vad de anser vara viktigt i sin undervisning samt hur de själva arbetar för att motivera elever. Resultaten visar bland annat på att lärarna anser det vara viktigt att variera undervisningen. Genom att variera olika arbetssätt, där man inkluderar både konkret material, filmvisning och lek menar lärarna att intresset och inlärningen ökar bland eleverna. Lärarna menar även att en tydlig verklighetsanknytning i undervisning kan bidra till lustfyllt lärande och motiverade elever, då ämnet upplevs mindre abstrakt. Resultaten visar dessutom att de intervjuade lärarna anser själva att de ger lika mycket utrymme för både praktisk och teoretisk undervisning i de lägsta åldrarna.Matematik
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Nuntrakune, Tippawan. "Cooperative learning in Thailand : professional development to enhance primary education." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2008. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/28481/1/Tippawan_Nuntrakune_Thesis.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
The overall purpose of this study was to develop a model to inform the design of professional development programs and the implementation of cooperative learning within Thai primary school mathematics classrooms. Action research design, with interviews, surveys and observations, was used for this study. Survey questionnaires and classroom observations investigated the factors that influence the implementation of cooperative learning strategies and academic achievement in Thai primary school mathematics classrooms. The teachers’ interviews and classroom observation also examined the factors that need to be addressed in teacher professional development programs in order to facilitate cooperative learning in Thai mathematics classrooms. The outcome of this study was a model consisting of two sets of criteria to inform the successful implementation of cooperative learning in Thai primary schools. The first set of criteria was for proposers and developers of professional development programs. This set consists of macro- and micro-level criteria. The macro-level criteria focus on the overall structure of professional development programs and how and when the professional development programs should be implemented. The micro-level criteria focused on the specific topics that need to be included in professional development programs. The second set of criteria was for Thai principals and teachers to facilitate the introduction of cooperative learning in their classrooms. The research outcome also indicated that the attainment of these cooperative learning strategies and skills had a positive impact on the students’ learning of mathematics.
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Nuntrakune, Tippawan. "Cooperative learning in Thailand : professional development to enhance primary education." Queensland University of Technology, 2008. http://eprints.qut.edu.au/28481/.
Full textAbstract:
The overall purpose of this study was to develop a model to inform the design of professional development programs and the implementation of cooperative learning within Thai primary school mathematics classrooms. Action research design, with interviews, surveys and observations, was used for this study. Survey questionnaires and classroom observations investigated the factors that influence the implementation of cooperative learning strategies and academic achievement in Thai primary school mathematics classrooms. The teachers’ interviews and classroom observation also examined the factors that need to be addressed in teacher professional development programs in order to facilitate cooperative learning in Thai mathematics classrooms. The outcome of this study was a model consisting of two sets of criteria to inform the successful implementation of cooperative learning in Thai primary schools. The first set of criteria was for proposers and developers of professional development programs. This set consists of macro- and micro-level criteria. The macro-level criteria focus on the overall structure of professional development programs and how and when the professional development programs should be implemented. The micro-level criteria focused on the specific topics that need to be included in professional development programs. The second set of criteria was for Thai principals and teachers to facilitate the introduction of cooperative learning in their classrooms. The research outcome also indicated that the attainment of these cooperative learning strategies and skills had a positive impact on the students’ learning of mathematics.