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Abstract Elementary teachers are underprepared to teach mathematics, and there is a lack of field‐based support for mathematics‐specific pedagogies in the elementary grades. To address this theory to practice gap, we developed an innovative model of fieldwork that draws on the expertise of in‐service teachers (elementary mathematics specialists [EMSs]) who had recently completed a K–5 mathematics endorsement to work in the role of university supervisors supporting beginning teachers (BTs) in initial fieldwork. We argue that this model has three key aspects that will support BTs bridging the theory to practice gap: (1) as in‐service teachers the EMSs are keenly connected to the context of schools; (2) recent experience in university coursework in mathematics while serving as in‐service teachers required the EMSs to navigate the theory to practice gap themselves; (3) one‐on‐one mentorship supports strong and trusting relationships. Drawing on data from a 3‐year study we found that EMSs brought intimate knowledge of the school context and knowledge of the mathematics‐specific pedagogies taught at the university. These connections to the field and the university allowed EMSs to support BTs in implementing research‐based practices in their mathematics lessons that went against the norms of their school settings.
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Examining elementary and middle school mathematics instruction: are we promoting equity and access?
This descriptive study attended to the extent to which we see evidence of the presence of four practices that promote equity and access in 141 grades 3-8 mathematics lessons in the United States. We found that lessons generally showed evidence of some incorporation of the practices but often not at the highest level. Teachers in this sample engaged in social coaching at a relatively high level, across elementary and middle school classrooms. Teachers tended to do less with respect to supporting connection and engagement between student context and the math learning environment. We also found statistically significant differences between elementary and middle school lessons in positioning students as competent and supporting a nurturing environment by proactively building relationships and productive classroom culture. We offer possible interpretations and a few brief implications of these findings.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1908481
- PAR ID:
- 10424721
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- PROCEEDINGS OF THE 44TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE NORTH AMERICAN CHAPTER OF THE INTERNATIONAL GROUP FOR THE PSYCHOLOGY OF MATHEMATICS EDUCATION
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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