Search for: All records

The paper describes an intervention to support teachers and paraprofessionals to integrate mathematics and computer science. Expansive Framing is the theoretical framework used to support transfer. It might help to communicate clearly the connections between mathematics and computer science and how EF supports in making these connections. A couple of examples might help the reader understand what expansive framing means in the context of the problems and communicate the efficacy of the approach and limitations if any. It does add value to the discussions. This paper describes the engagement of teams to co-design of curriculum, drawing on Expansive Framing theory to encourage transfer of learning. Preliminary results are reported on the value of EF when clearly explicated in the lesson plans. This paper will be a valuable inclusion in this TSG. In reviewing this paper, check word and page length to adhere to template; if possible, it would be good to consider implications of your work with reference to scalability and sustainability. 

This study examines how a rural-serving school district aimed to provide elementary level computer science (CS) by offering instruction during students’ computer lab time. As part of a research-practice partnership, cross-context mathematics and CS lessons were co-designed to expansively frame and highlight connections across – as opposed to integration within – the two subjects. Findings indicated that most students who engaged with the lessons across the lab and classroom contexts reported finding the lessons interesting, seeing connections to their mathematics classes, and understanding the programming. In contrast, a three-level logistic regression model showed that students who only learned about mathematics connections within the CS lessons (thus not in a cross-context way) reported statistically significant lower levels of interest, connections, and understanding 

This study examines how a rural-serving school district aimed to provide elementarylevel computer science (CS) by offering instruction during students’ computer lab, a class taught by paraprofessional educators with limited background in computing. As part of a researchpractice partnership, cross-context mathematics and CS lessons were co-designed to expansively frame and highlight connections across – as opposed to integration within – the two subjects. Findings indicate that the paraprofessionals teaching the lessons generally reported positive experiences and understanding of content; however, those less comfortable with the content reported lower student interest. Further, most students who engaged with the lessons across the lab and classroom contexts reported finding the lessons interesting, seeing connections to their mathematics classes, and understanding the programming. In contrast, students who only learned about mathematics connections within the CS lessons (thus not in a cross-context way) reported significantly lower levels of interest, connections, and understanding.