Developing Mathematical Knowledge Through Class Discussion: One Teacher's Struggles in Implementing Reform

The purpose of this case study was to examine the experience of one secondary mathematics teacher during his efforts to facilitate mathematical discussions in a secondary algebra class. Class discussions and interviews were documented and analyzed to investigate the patterns of discussion, the teacher's role in facilitating discussion, and the struggles encountered by the teacher through his attempts to enact reform-oriented strategies. The investigation focused on the teacher's vision for and actual practice in utilizing reform-oriented strategies for discussion in his Algebra class. The teacher's vision of reform was largely based on NCTM Standards recommendations for reforming the teaching and learning of mathematics. Data was collected through various sources and was analyzed using qualitative methods in the spirit of naturalistic inquiry. Data was generated through classroom observations, teacher interviews, audiotapes of whole-class discussions, and personal log notes written by the researcher. Although the teacher expressed intentions to reform discussion in his classroom, he continued to experience struggles in realizing his intentions. Class discussions that were largely teacher-directed and followed traditional patterns of interaction. The teacher struggled with three main issues: classroom challenges, perceptions of student resistance, and teacher authority. The findings of this study suggest that mathematics teachers, even those with extensive experience and grounded knowledge in current reform initiatives, will need to further develop strategies for facilitating a Standards-like environment in their classrooms. Pre-service and in-service educators should also examine the development of programs that can better reflect actual practice and build on classroom teachers' prior experiences and practice.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph. D.

Level thesis:degree_level

doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Curriculum and Instruction

Department dc:contributor.department

Curriculum and Instruction

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Tech

Year dc:date.issued

1997

Author dc:creator

• Nelson, Rebecca S.

Chair dc:contributor.committeechair

• Mick, Harold W.

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Wildman, Terry M.
• Magliaro, Susan G.
• Patty, C. Wayne
• Lloyd, Gwendolyn M.

• Mathematics Education
• Qualitative Research

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Dc Identifier Other

etd-01698-10352

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/26082