A value-based approach to promoting excellence in mathematics education
- Authors: Austin, Pamela Winifred
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Inquiry-based learning -- South Africa , Active learning -- South Africa , Effective teaching -- South Africa , Self-efficacy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9482 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1656 , Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Inquiry-based learning -- South Africa , Active learning -- South Africa , Effective teaching -- South Africa , Self-efficacy
- Description: This research study has emerged as a result of my concern regarding the apparent low self-efficacy amongst initial teacher education students in my mathematics education classes. It also reflects a reported renewed interest in values, and the promotion of excellence in education. The effects of a values-based approach to mathematics education towards improving students’ self-efficacy and promoting excellence have been investigated, grounded within my ontology of excellence in mathematics education, which incorporates the values of respect, fairness, accountability, honesty and compassion. An inquiry-based teaching and learning approach formed the framework within which the study took place. Notions of ‘new scholarship’, premised on the view that teaching is about engagement in participatory learning, and the development of communities of creative students, provided the theoretical framework. Both quantitative and qualitative data gathering methods were used. Data-collection tools included affective-disposition statements, interviews, journal entries, as well as a video recording of a mathematics education lesson. The quantitative and qualitative data generated suggest improved levels of self-efficacy amongst the students who participated in the study. The data also suggest that a valuesbased approach to teaching can be used as an effective approach by mathematics teachers – and mathematics teacher educators – for the purpose of promoting the pursuit of excellence. As teacher education worldwide is currently characterised by a lack of vitality in teacher preparation (Grossman, 2008), the findings of this study should provide insights for teacher educators, teachers and policy makers who wish to promote mathematics self-efficacy, excellence and facilitate enhanced vitality within the teaching profession.
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- Date Issued: 2010
The family maths programme: facilitators' ability to implement inquiry-based teaching and learning with learners and parents
- Authors: Austin, Pamela Winifred
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Inquiry-based learning -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9483 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/471 , Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Inquiry-based learning -- South Africa
- Description: Despite the fact that the facilitation of inquiry learning is a core methodology in the General Education and Training (GET) band of the South African National Curriculum Statement, rote learning and memorization of algorithms remains common practice in many mathematics classrooms. The inquiry-based Family Maths professional development programme, offered by the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, attempts not only to support the transformative education practices targeted by the South African National Department of Education, but also to extend them beyond the school walls to the community at large. This study investigates the extent to which the Family Maths professional development programme develops facilitators’ ability to implement inquiry-based learning. It also seeks to explore which aspects of the programme are effective in developing an inquiry-based approach. The research undertaken is an empirical study of 39 facilitators and uses both qualitative and quantitative methods. The facilitators’ inquiry beliefs and ability to implement inquiry learning was measured by means of questionnaires, observation schedules and interviews. As the ‘teacher as facilitator of inquiry-based teaching and learning’ is a requirement of all South African teachers, the findings of this research should make a meaningful contribution to the field of mathematics teacher education in the South African context.
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- Date Issued: 2007