Science and Mathematics Education Commons^™

Thinking It Through: Australian Students’ Skills In Creative Problem Solving, Lisa De Bortoli, Greg Macaskill

Lisa De Bortoli

In every PISA survey, students from every participating country are assessed in the core domains of mathematics, science and reading literacy. In addition to assessing these literacy domains, the OECD proposes additional assessments in other domains. In PISA 2003, a paper-based assessment of cross- disciplinary problem solving was first assessed, when it was included as a core domain. In PISA 2012, problem solving was once again assessed, this time as an optional computer-based assessment.

The focus of the PISA 2012 assessment of problem solving was: Are today’s 15-year-old students acquiring the problem-solving skills that will prepare them to meet the …

Buried Or Not? What’S Happened To Numeracy?, David Tout

David (Dave) Tout

International surveys reveal a worrying decline in adult numeracy development. Dave Tout makes the case for a renewed focus.

Don't Subtract Numeracy, David Tout

David (Dave) Tout

The development of adults’ core skills for work and life requires attention to language and literacy, but numeracy counts as well, says Dave Tout.

Fostering Preservice Teacher Identity In Science Through A Student-Selected Project, D.J. Wink, J. Ellefson, M. Nishimura, D. Perry, S. Wenzel, Jeong Hwang Choe

Jeong Choe

This article addresses the problem of authentic student engagement in the science classroom by incorporating a semester long research and writing assignment that enables students to investigate scientific topics related to strong personal, career, or health interests.

Using Multi-Decision Scenarios To Facilitate Teacher Knowledge For Mathematical Questioning, Karl Kosko

Karl W Kosko

A novel method for both examining and improving preservice teachers’ knowledge for facilitating mathematical discussion is presented. The online platform LessonSketch.org was used to create comic-based representations of mathematics teaching that included multiple variations depending on user (preservice teacher) question choice. Each scenario includes three decision points in which question types are available as options for the user, allowing for 39 potential storylines generated from user choice. Preliminary data from preservice teachers is presented, along with an example scenario, to support discussion for implementation in teacher education, with the example provided focusing particularly on elementary mathematics.

Structures And Strategies For Science Teacher Education In The 21st Century, Douglas B. Larkin

Douglas B. Larkin