Converting mathematics tasks to learning opportunities: An important aspect of knowledge for mathematics teaching
Journal article
Sullivan, Peter, Clarke, Barbara and Clarke, Doug. (2009). Converting mathematics tasks to learning opportunities: An important aspect of knowledge for mathematics teaching. Mathematics Education Research Journal. 21(1), pp. 85 - 105. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03217539
Authors | Sullivan, Peter, Clarke, Barbara and Clarke, Doug |
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Abstract | As part of a research and professional development project that focused on the opportunities and constraints provided by different kinds of mathematical tasks, a group of 67 primary and 40 secondary practising teachers of mathematics were asked to complete a survey focusing on their use of tasks. In this article, we discuss responses to one particular item which sought teachers’ ideas on taking a fraction comparison task (which is larger: 2/3 or 201/301?) and converting it into a mathematics lesson in the middle years of schooling. Drawing upon a number of components of ‘mathematical knowledge for teaching’ as a framework, we attempt to examine those aspects of mathematical knowledge which are involved in making such a conversion. Our recommendation following this analysis is that greater emphasis is necessary in professional development settings on taking a potentially useful task and converting it into a worthwhile mathematics learning experience for students. Knowing the relevant mathematics also seems necessary even if not sufficient to make this conversion. |
Year | 2009 |
Journal | Mathematics Education Research Journal |
Journal citation | 21 (1), pp. 85 - 105 |
Publisher | Springer Netherlands |
ISSN | 2211-050X |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03217539 |
Scopus EID | 2-s2.0-70849091803 |
Page range | 85 - 105 |
Publisher's version | File Access Level Controlled |
Place of publication | Netherlands |
https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/item/87xz3/converting-mathematics-tasks-to-learning-opportunities-an-important-aspect-of-knowledge-for-mathematics-teaching
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