Teacher Beliefs about Mathematics Teaching and Learning and Classroom Achievement Growth

The study conducted in Dolphin County School District offers a comprehensive exploration of teacher beliefs among K-8 educators, specifically focusing on perspectives related to mathematics instruction. The findings reveal a diverse array of beliefs, shedding light on nuanced aspects of transmissionist, facts-first, and fixed instructional plan beliefs. An examination of background characteristics and their relationship with teacher beliefs emphasizes the intricate nature of these beliefs within the teaching community. The study identifies a weak connection, highlighting the diverse array of perspectives held by educators. Factors such as gender, race, and teaching experience contribute to this complexity, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of the interplay of these factors in shaping teacher perspectives on mathematics education. Professional development emerges as a crucial factor influencing teacher beliefs. However, the study reveals a lack of statistically significant correlations between professional development and teacher beliefs. This calls for a critical reevaluation of existing professional development initiatives, urging the district to ensure their content aligns effectively with instructional practices that enhance mathematics education. The multiple regression analysis accentuates the substantial impact of teacher beliefs on average classroom math score growth. Teachers endorsing traditional approaches are associated with lower student performance, while those embracing more progressive beliefs exhibit a positive influence. Notably, overall teacher beliefs wield a particularly strong influence on student outcomes, emphasizing the significance of fostering innovative and student-centered approaches to teaching mathematics. While the study acknowledges the existence of conflicting research, particularly concerning culturally relevant beliefs, it underscores the need for a more extensive study dedicated to beliefs about the teaching and learning of mathematics. This recognition of the complexity of teacher beliefs aligns with the observations made by Beswick (2007), emphasizing the necessity for a more in-depth understanding of these intricate aspects. In response to these findings, several recommendations are proposed for Dolphin County School District. Firstly, a thorough evaluation and refinement of professional development programs are essential to ensure their efficacy in shaping teacher beliefs. Internal examinations of belief consistency, encouragement of curriculum flexibility, and initiatives promoting innovative teaching approaches are prioritized to foster a cohesive instructional culture. Additionally, the district is encouraged to actively support a culture of continuous learning and collaboration among teachers through communities of practice. By implementing these recommendations, Dolphin County School District can position itself as a leader in cultivating a teaching environment where beliefs align with effective instructional practices. This proactive stance is poised to enhance the quality of mathematics education within the district, ultimately resulting in positive impacts on student outcomes. The district's commitment to continuous improvement and the provision of high-quality education for all students is evident in these recommendations, reflecting its dedication to fostering an environment conducive to both teacher and student success.

Grantor dc:publisher

Florida State University

Year dc:date

2024

Contributors dc:contributor

• Schultz, Heather A. (author)
• Akiba, Motoko (professor directing dissertation)
• Tibi, Sana (university representative)
• Iatarola, Patrice (committee member)
• Harbatkin, Erica (committee member)
• Florida State University (degree granting institution)
• College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (degree granting college)
• Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies (degree granting department)

• Education

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

fsu:928062
iid: Schultz_fsu_0071E_18515

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:diginole.lib.fsu.edu:fsu_928062