Science and Mathematics Education Commons^™

Extending And Exploring Students' Problem Solving Via Problem Posing, Elena N. Stoyanova

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Despite the fact that problem posing has been recommended as a useful mathematical activity in the curriculum documents of several countries, research about the types of problem-posing situations in which students could be involved, and about the effects of these problem-posing activities on students' mathematical performance is limited. The application of problem posing in school mathematics has been hindered by the absence of a framework which links problem posing, problem solving and mathematics curricula

Teachers Of Mathematics Teach Mathematics Differently : A Case Study Of Two Teachers, Jennie Bickmore-Brand

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This thesis investigates the different approaches adopted by two teachers for teaching mathematical content at the upper primary level of education. Questions have been raised by researchers about the impact teachers' philosophical background may have on their perception of how mathematics should be taught. Similarly questions have been asked about the role of content in mathematics education in relation to the process of education. The two teachers held different beliefs about what they were doing when they were teaching mathematics and why they were teaching that way. Their methodological emphases were different; one could be described as being more learner-centred …

Curriculum In Mathematics For Air Conditioning And Refrigeration, Darrow P. Soares

Theses Digitization Project

No abstract provided.

Literature And Writing Connections With Mathematics In A First Grade Classroom, Linda Joan Sheeler Sorenson

All Graduate Projects

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Standard #2, communication in mathematics, is addressed. The benefits of integrating writing and the use of children's literature in mathematics are studied. Writing strategies and an annotated bibliography of children's literature that address instruction of first grade mathematics outcomes prescribed by the Yakima (WA) School District are developed. Recommendations for implementing the project are given.

The Development And Design Of Activities To Support Performance Based And Integrated Math Instruction For Fifth Grade Students, Lelia L. Coghill

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the project was to develop and design activities and materials to support performance based integrated mathematics instruction for fifth grade students in the concept areas of place value, decimals, percents, and fractions. The activities and materials were prepared in conjunction with other disciplines, namely reading, writing, art, science, and social studies. The intent was to make mathematics relevant to real life with stress on student performance as an indicator of knowledge, understanding, and application. The activities make use of performance based, integrated, and real life situations, and the materials include technology, field trips, gaming, manipulatives, recording sheets, …

Wilderness Survival Basic Skills: A Model Seventh Grade Science Curriculum With Integrated Math Concepts, Layne B. Hutchins

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and implement a model 7th grade science program with integrated mathematics concepts using an outdoor survival theme. The developed program focused on mathematics and science topics related to exploration and survival in the wilderness and enjoyment of the outdoors in order to connect mathematics and science concepts with real life experiences. Current research and literature on integration and multiple intelligences, integration of mathematics and science as well existing outdoor programs was reviewed. Finally, section overviews, student learning objectives, learning activities and teaching strategies were adapted and developed.

Interactive Television In The Classroom: A Comparison Of Student Math Achievement Among Three Instructional Settings, Sherri L. Hodge-Hardin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A dramatic expansion of distance learning through the use of interactive television (ITV) is allowing colleges and universities to offer students potentially unlimited access to educational and training opportunities. While the expanding information age beckons us to consider mechanisms for using communication technologies for the benefit of meeting the needs of learners in a variety of locations, the question may be raised--Is ITV an effective medium of instruction? This study examined the effectiveness of using an interactive television system to broadcast developmental algebra classes at East Tennessee State University. The purpose of this study was to determine if there were …

Supplimental Activities/Lesson Plans For General Math, Jacklyn Sue Long

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the project was to develop supplemental activities/lesson plans for ninth grade general mathematics. The activities/lesson plans make use of manipulatives, cooperative learning and real life situations. Some of the activities/ lesson plans are developed into projects.

Mental Computation In School Mathematics: Preference, Attitude And Performance Of Students In Years 3, 5, 7 And 9, Alistair Mcintosh, Jack Bana, Brian Farrell

Research outputs pre 2011

Commencing in 1989 a team consisting of Alistair Mcintosh, Paul Swan and Ellita de Nardi at Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia, probed the strategies used by children of primary school age when calculating mentally, with a view to developing and promoting more appropriate and effective mental computation...This present monograph, which looks at the mental computation of Western Australian students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9, is one of the outcomes of this collaborative research project.

Children's Knowledge And Understanding Of Basic Number Facts, Jack Bana, Richard Korbosky

Research outputs pre 2011

Automatic recall of all the basic number facts is a major objective in primary school mathematics. This is an objective that is not easily attained. Many students have problems acquiring the skills which lead to correct and immediate responses (automatic recall) for all the basic number facts. Knowledge of the basic number facts is essential for undertaking all computation efficiently. These basic facts are defined as 0 + 0 to 9 + 9 for addition and their subtractive opposites; and 0 x 0 to 9 x 9 for multiplication and their inverses in division. This is a total of 390 …

How Much Does Poor Reading Lower Math Scores?, William (Bill) H. Williams, Sandra P. Clarkson Ph.D

Publications and Research

No abstract provided.

Issues In Primary Mathematics Education Computers: Classroom Practice And Curriculum Reform, Lorraine Kershaw, Kevin Jones, Len Sparrow

Research outputs pre 2011

The advent of an interactive multimedia approach in teaching and learning has opened up yet another horizon to be explored in search of the perceived potential of the computer in primary mathematics education. Benefits promoted have included its use as a motivational aid, the developing of content knowledge and problem solving skills of children of varying abilities, its capacity to support an integrated curriculum, and to assist children in controlling their own learning. Many have doubts about the veracity of these assertions and disagree about the types of appropriate uses of the computer. For classroom teachers, software and hardware availability, …

Issues In Primary Mathematics Education: Calculators: Research And Curriculum Implications, Len Sparrow, Lorraine Kershaw, Kevin Jones

Research outputs pre 2011

Calculators: Research and curriculum implications is one of a series of monographs on issues in primary mathematics education. It has been written to support initiatives in the development of student-centred learning programs at Edith Cowan University - programs designed to accommodate current views on effective adult learning strategies, as wells as the development of professional and generic (key) competencies. Irrespective of the nature of individual learning programs, students and teachers working at undergraduate and postgraduate levels will find the series useful- either as a synthesis of currently available research findings and reference material, to identify potentially significant initiatives and developments …

Number Sense And Computation In The Classroom, Kevin Jones, Lorraine Kershaw, Len Sparrow

Research outputs pre 2011

Number sense and computation in the classroom is one of a series of monographs on issues in primary mathematics education. It has been written to support initiatives in the development of student-centred learning programs at Edith Cowan University - programs designed to accommodate current views on effective adult learning strategies, as wells as the development of professional and generic (key) competencies. Irrespective of the nature of individual learning programs, students and teachers working at undergraduate and postgraduate levels will find the series useful- either as a synthesis of currently available research findings and reference material, to identify potentially significant initiatives …

An Examination Of The Relationship Between Parental Attitudes And Student Achievement On Standardized Test Scores In Mathematics, Susan S. Lapp

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between parents' attitudes toward mathematics and students' standardized test scores in mathematics. Eighty-four parents of fourth-grade students in a southeastern military dependent school system were surveyed to determine their attitudes to mathematics when they were in elementary school and their attitudes about mathematics today. Parents also responded to questions about their children's abilities and attitudes toward mathematics.

Total scores for the survey were matched with the students' mathematics scores on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS). The Pearson Product-Moment Correlation was used to compute the correlation coefficients. A positive …

Determining The Validity And Reliability Of An Instrument Designed To Measure Metacognitive Behaviours, Anne L. Martin

Theses : Honours

This project was designed to study the role of metacognition in mathematical problem solving. More specifically, it was designed to determine the validity and reliability of an instrument proposed to identify metacognitive behaviours in Year 7 children solving problems. The instrument was used to analyse audio tapes of pairs of students working on a non-routine problem (i.e., a problem that cannot be solved solely by the direct application of the basic operations). Analysis of the audio tapes involved categorizing metacognitive decisions as: orientation, organization, execution, and verification behaviours. A "cognitive-metacognitive" framework (Garofalo & Lester, 1985) was used as a basis …

Student Held Misconceptions Regarding Area And Perimeter Of Rectangles, Susan M. Carle

Critical and Creative Thinking Capstones Collection

Students enter the classroom with individual schemas, based on their experiences and ideas, which influence the reception, interpretation, and recollection of new information. Effective teachers must understand the implications of these existing schemas. As an experienced classroom teacher, the author finds students often manipulate and apply new information well in class, only to forget or alter the material a few weeks later;. When misconceptions are woven into schemas, they interfere with reception of information. This thesis examines specific student-held misconceptions about the area and perimeter of rectangles and the process of their identification and eradication. Identification of the misconception is …

A Study Of The Benefits Of Reflection By Journal Writing In Mathematical Learning And Attitudes In The Primary School, Sally Edmonds

Theses : Honours

This descriptive study examines journal writing for the purpose of identifying aspects of children's mathematical reflective ability. It was hypothesised that encouragement to engage with the process of mathematics by reflective writing would reveal and assist learning, and give children a vehicle through which they could express their attitudes about the mathematics they were learning. The aim of this study was to find answers to the following question: How does the keeping of a mathematical journal reveal children's understandings of the mathematics they are learning? Other questions related to the study were: -What evidence is there from the journals about …

Practice Exercises-For The Georgia Teacher Certification Test In Mathematics, Beverly M. Davis

Theses and Dissertations

Since the Georgia Teacher Testing Program began in 1978, thousands of Georgia teachers and teacher candidates have taken the Georgia Teacher Certification Test (TCT) in mathematics. Although the mathematics test has been found to be valid, reliable, unbiased, and job-related, many test takers fail the test the first time the test is taken and consequently retake the test until a passing score is made or choose not to retake the test.

Multiple choice practice exercises were developed to assist those who are preparing to take this test. These practice exercises are based on objectives, assessment characteristics, and content components outlined …

Restructuring For Mathematical Power: Techniques For Teaching Thinking In Algebra, Barbara D. Nelson

Critical and Creative Thinking Capstones Collection

Recent critiques of mathematics education have resulted in proposals to restructure learning and teaching for mathematical power. The new vision pictures the classroom as a community of learners where mathematics come alive as a useful tool in our technological society. However, many high school mathematics teachers are struggling to understand and implement the fundamental instructional change inherent in the vision. Written from the perspective of a high school teacher for experienced high school mathematics teachers, this thesis attempts to bridge vision and practice. To clarify the vision, current literature on reform in mathematics education is synthesized into a framework of …

Sex-Related Differences In Autonomous Learning Behaviours And Mathematics Achievement, Laura Beahan

Theses : Honours

The autonomous learning behaviour model proposed by Fennema and Peterson (1985a, 1985b) hypothesises that sex- related differences in mathematics are a result of sex-related differences in autonomous learning behaviours. Autonomous learning behaviours include choosing to engage in high-level tasks, preferring to work independently on such tasks and persisting at them. The purpose of this study was to investigate sex-related differences in autonomous learning behaviours and to determine any relationship between the presence of these behaviours and achievement in mathematics. Twelve students studying the Year 1 unit "Foundations of Mathematics" were selected for the study, including two males and two females …

Assessing And Describing Sixth-Grade Students Use Of Number Sense To Demonstrate An Understanding Of Mathematics Concepts, Deborah B. Lee

Theses and Dissertations

Eighteen sixth-grade students in a selected elementary school of a large school district were chosen to participate in a study to individually assess and describe their use of number sense, which demonstrated their understanding of mathematics concepts. The instrument used was teacher made and consisted of nine mathematics problems. The instrument was given to each student in a one-on-one interview. The findings suggested that developing number sense is essential for improving mathematics performance.

Occasional Papers: On Teaching The Sciences, Janice Rowan Poley

Hollybush Series

Volume 2 of The Hollybush Series contains six essays by Glassboro State College faculty on teaching mathematics, computer science, and physics.

The editor is Janice Rowan Poley and the authors of the six essays are Janet Caldwell, Seth Bergmann, Ronald Czochor, A. Michael Berman, Karen Magee-Sauer, and Gary Itzkowitz.

Success In Written Expression: A Case Study, Susan Flowers Hamby

Theses and Dissertations

In order to receive a high school diploma, a student in any Georgia high school must pass the Georgia Basic Skills Test in three areas: Reading, Mathematics, and Writing. The subject of this case study is an eighteen-year-old male student who after four attempts passed the Writing portion of this test. Because this is a case study, the findings are reported in a nontraditional manner using a narrative style with first person commentary.

Much of the data in this case study were collected through interviews with the subject referred to as Tim, his mother, a school examiner, and several of …

Cooperative Learning On Mathematical Problem Solving: Reflections By A Traditional Teacher And Her Students, Diana Metsisto

Critical and Creative Thinking Capstones Collection

As our society becomes more technologically complex, the educational system preparing our students to become citizens of this society must adapt to met changing demands. Mathematical literacy of the 21st century will require a different model of mathematics education than that which served in the past. This thesis argues for a model of mathematics education which includes as key components: problem solving, question posing, cooperative learning, concrete manipulatives, and teaching for thinking. This new model sets forth guidelines for a facilitative approach to the teaching of mathematics as opposed to the more traditional, authoritative model. This facilitative model is based …

A Cooperative Approach To Writing A Curriculum Guide For Mathematics, Sara Nilson Bos

All Graduate Projects

This project involved writing a curriculum guide for grades kindergarten through six in the area of mathematics. This guide was developed using a cooperative approach including small groups of teachers representing several grade levels, as well as, the entire teaching staff. The process of developing the guide was important to this study as was the mathematics guide itself. Teachers were involved in selection of a mathematics curriculum, implementing the curriculum, evaluating and adapting the curriculum after one year of use, and writing the guide to accompany the program.

The Relationship Between Cooperative Small Group Composition And The Learning Of A Mathematical Concept In The Primary School Years: A Pilot Study, Susan Eaton

Theses : Honours

In recent years small group cooperative learning has been given increasing attention by researchers. This interest has been a result of n growing awareness of the benefits that small group cooperative learning can bring to the learning process. These benefits include gains in areas of academic achievement, self-confidence as a learner, cross-cultural/cross-racial relationships, social acceptance of mainstreamed students, and improved attitudes towards school and learning. A particular focus of North American researchers has been small group cooperative learning in mathematics. Little work had been done in this area in Western Australian schools and with the changed emphasis in the Western …

Perfil Quali-Quantitativo Dos Currículos Do Ensino Secundário Brasileiro No Século Xix [A Quali-Quantitative Profile Of The Curricula Of The Brazilian Secondary School Of The Xix Century], Karl M. Lorenz, Ariclê Vechia

Education Faculty Publications

O trabalho caracteriza a organização e os conteúdos dos currículos adotados na escola secundária brasileira de 1838 a 1900, tomando como referência o Colégio Pedro II. O estudo classifica as disciplinas em quatro conjuntos curriculares: Humanidades, Ciências, Matemáticas e Estudos Sociais. Analise, quantitativamente, as disciplinas dos conjuntos curriculares, sua frequência e distribuição nas series, e a carga horaria atribuída elas.

The paper describes the organization and contents of the curricula adopted in the Brazilian secondary school for the years 1838 to 1900, using as its reference the College Pedro II. The study classifies the curricular disciplines in four groups: Humanities, …

Differences In The. Reading And Mathematics Achievement Between Asian American And Non Asian American Children, Linda B. Price

Theses and Dissertations

Explanations for the achievement or overachievement of Asian Americans are often conflicting and subject to debate among researchers. Four major theories for this achievement are explored in the review of literature. One of these theories concerns the idea that Asian American's beliefs are the result of Confucianism and its influence on the lives of Asian Americans. Another theory examines the parent's positive attitude toward education and its influence on achievement. A third theory suggests that Asian American babies are more alert and sensitive at birth. The final theory examined proposes that the Asian American immigration to the United States is …

Differences Between The High School Grade Point Average And The Sat Mathematics Score In Predicting Success In The Three-Quarter Mathematics Sequence At A Post-Secondary Vocational Education Institution, Steve A. Hicks

Theses and Dissertations

Thirty-seven current and former Engineering Technology students at a postsecondary vocational education institution were used as subjects for a comparison of the high school grade point average and the SAT mathematics score as predictors of success in the three-quarter mathematics sequence during the first year of the two-year program: The Pearson Product-Moment Correlation was used to compute two correlation coefficients; one between the high school GPA and the mathematics sequence average, and the other between the SAT mathematics score and the mathematics sequence average. These correlation coefficients were then compared, using a z calculation, to determine that the difference between …