Rationale and Background of the Project
The current teaching of
mathematics is too instructive which implies an imitative way of processing and
a reproductive knowledge of mathematics. This produces at best a passive
attitude but more generally a negative one towards the subject. There is a
considerable body of international research to support this statement.
There have
been considerable efforts to overcome this
problem. This project team believes that working with
teachers is the most suitable way of achieving the best and quickest results.
Members of our project group have been working in this field both within their
own countries and with each other for a number of years. They have arrived at
the conclusion that teaching should be based on a constructive epistemology of
learning which produces creative activities and deep understanding of
mathematics. This change should produce a more positive attitude in students
together with more enjoyment in the subject.
Aim of the project
To sensitise, motivate and encourage the teachers and to enhance the
teacher's competencies in order to improve the teaching of mathematics.
Objectives of the Project
To sensitise
the teacher to:
-
a student's non-standard
response - non imitative nor reproductive
-
individuality - individual
solving strategies, algorithms, conceptual understandings.......
-
a student's
misunderstandings, misconceptions........
To motivate and encourage the
teacher to:
-
undertake experimental
work
-
seek and
implement new approaches to specific topics/content
-
seek and
implement new teaching strategies/methods
-
become a "reflective"
teacher - constantly review and analyse his/her teaching performance
-
change pupil/student's
attitudes towards mathematics
-
investigate, assess and
understand a student's thinking processes in mathematics.
To enhance a teacher's
competency in:
-
understanding a student's
cognitive structures, processes, relationships
-
diagnosing the
developmental level of a student's knowledge
-
re-educating a student who
has mis-conceptions/mis-understandings
-
enhancing the confidence
of the students in their mathematical competence
-
creating a mathematically
positive climate in the classroom.
Target group and languages
The in-service
courses will be aimed at Primary and Secondary school teachers and will be
dependent on them being able to trial experimental methods with their classes
and to reflect on the outcomes of these trials with respect to themselves and
their pupils. In turn new methods of working in the classroom and new knowledge
gained will enhance the teachers competence in the classroom and greatly benefit
their pupils not only in the understanding of mathematics but in all those
subjects which use mathematics. Initially the in-service courses will be
prepared for those teachers whose language is either English, Swedish or Czech.
TOP
Coordinating institution:
Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Education
Department of Mathematics and Mathematics Education
M. D. Rettigové 4, 116 39 Prgue 1, Czech Republic
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