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Experiencing teaching and learning quantitative reasoning in a project-based context
Citation
Muir, T and Beswick, K and Callingham, R and Jade, K, Experiencing teaching and learning quantitative reasoning in a project-based context, Mathematics Education Research Journal, 28, (4) pp. 479-501. ISSN 1033-2170 (2016) [Refereed Article]
Copyright Statement
Copyright 2016 Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia, Inc.
DOI: doi:10.1007/s13394-016-0176-0
Abstract
This paper presents the findings of a small-scale study that investigated the issues and challenges of teaching and learning about quantitative reasoning (QR) within a project-based learning (PjBL) context. Students and teachers were surveyed and interviewed about their experiences of learning and teaching QR in that context in contrast to teaching and learning mathematics in more traditional settings. The grade 9–12 student participants were characterised by a history of disengagement with mathematics and school in general, and the teacher participants were non-mathematics specialist teachers. Both students and teachers were new to the PjBL situation, which resulted in the teaching/learning relationship being a reciprocal one. The findings indicated that students and teachers viewed QR positively, particularly when compared with traditional mathematics teaching, yet tensions were identified for aspects such as implementation of curriculum and integration of relevant mathematics into projects. Both sets of participants identified situations where learning QR was particularly successful, along with concerns or difficulties about integrating QR into project work. The findings have implications for educators, who may need to examine their own approaches to mathematics teaching, particularly in terms of facilitating student engagement with the subject.
Item Details
| Item Type: | Refereed Article |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | quantitative reasoning, project-based learning; big picture, engagement, motivation |
| Research Division: | Education |
| Research Group: | Curriculum and pedagogy |
| Research Field: | Mathematics and numeracy curriculum and pedagogy |
| Objective Division: | Education and Training |
| Objective Group: | Learner and learning |
| Objective Field: | Learner and learning not elsewhere classified |
| UTAS Author: | Muir, T (Associate Professor Tracey Muir) |
| UTAS Author: | Beswick, K (Professor Kim Beswick) |
| UTAS Author: | Callingham, R (Associate Professor Rosemary Callingham) |
| UTAS Author: | Jade, K (Miss Katara Jade) |
| ID Code: | 111388 |
| Year Published: | 2016 |
| Deposited By: | Education |
| Deposited On: | 2016-09-09 |
| Last Modified: | 2017-11-09 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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