The study presents a review of in-service models and a search
for an effective in-service model for mathematics education in
the primary school.
The study considers the need to improve the teaching of
mathematics in the primary school; the major reports that have
made recommendations for the improvement of primary mathematics
teaching and the opinions and findings of mathematics
educators. The study examines the state of the art of
in-service models and examines those models previously used.
The study notes the failings of the in-service models past and
present and examines elements within these models which have
proven to be beneficial albeit in part. Throughout the study
particular attention is given to recent studies concerned with
implementing and sustaining change.
The model designed for the in-service of the primary mathematics
teacher, MINC (Mathematics In-service Network Course) is based
on an examination of models past and present. Components and
provisions that have met with success in these models were
included in the design.
The in-service model developed and described in this study
includes four major components input from course leaders and
teachers, reflection, feedback and the opportunity for teachers
to work with others from the same school and neighbouring
schools (networking).
A major section of the study examines the responses of
participants to an evaluation questionnaire given at the
completion of the first in-service course, MINC 1 and the
second, MINC 2.
Data collected from the responses of participants to the
questionnaire were analysed to see if there were differences in
responses from teachers based on such factors as sex, the MINC
network, the level to which participants had studied
mathematics, the year level they taught and expressed confidence
in teaching mathematics.
In conclusion, the study reflects on the evaluation of the
in-service course and addresses considerations for future
in-service courses concerned with mathematics education for
primary teachers.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/219032 |
| Date | January 1987 |
| Creators | Howe, Peter A., n/a |
| Publisher | University of Canberra. Education |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | ), Copyright Peter A. Howe |
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