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Kennesaw State University

Cognitively Guided Instruction in Elementary Mathematics: Understanding Factors That Influence Classroom Implementation

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

<p>This study focused on the teaching technique known as cognitively guided instruction (CGI), through which teachers explore the individual learning styles of their students and use the information they gather to teach more complex concepts more effectively. The focus of this study was on 10 elementary mathematics teachers, with the goal of gaining a deeper understanding of the reasons they are making limited use of CGI techniques in their classrooms. The study used interviews and classroom observations of the 10 participants to identify the factors influencing their willingness or reluctance to apply CGI techniques to their instructional practices. The study gathered data regarding the factors that encouraged the use of CGI in participants’ classrooms and regarding the factors that created their resistance to doing so or that caused a lack of confidence in CGI strategies.</p> <p>Findings identified positive results from CGI techniques, with students showing learning levels beyond their grades and developing creative problem-solving techniques that were beneficial for the current curriculum and for future grade levels as well. Findings also identified the most significant deterrent for CGI use as being the time investment required to carry out the lessons or exercises in ways that incorporated CGI practices.</p> <p>This study identified the value of CGI techniques and revealed the need to adapt and evolve teaching methods in line with the method. The study noted the challenges involved with CGI implementation but showed that the positive results outweigh those issues. The study findings provide a compelling case for CGI as an approach that enhanced student problem solving, unlocks creative thinking, encourages more active student involvement in solving problems and provides collective encouragement and learning for students, teachers, and administrators.</p>

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership (Ed.D)
Level thesis:degree_level
Dissertation
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Educational Leadership
Year dc:date.available
2018

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Conowal, Teresa A
Contributors dc:contributor
  • Dr. Ivan. Jorrin Abellan
  • Dr. Kimberly Gray

Subjects

dc:subject × 15

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu:teachleaddoc_etd-1026

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Kennesaw State University
Base URL
digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/do/oai/
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Conowal, Teresa A. Cognitively Guided Instruction in Elementary Mathematics: Understanding Factors That Influence Classroom Implementation. Dissertation thesis, 2018. https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/teachleaddoc_etd/25