Sandi Cooper

Teaching Courses Online: A Review of the Research

This literature review summarizes research on online teaching and learning. It is organized into four topics: course environment, learners’ outcomes, learners’ characteristics, and institutional and administrative factors. The authors found little consistency of terminology, discovered some conclusive guidelines, and identified developing lines of inquiry. The conclusions overall suggest that most of the studies reviewed were descriptive and exploratory, that most online students are nontraditional and Anglo American, and that few universities have written policies, guidelines, or technical support for faculty members or students. Asynchronous communication seemed to facilitate in-depth communication (but not more than in traditional classes), students liked to move at their own pace, learning outcomes appeared to be the same as in traditional courses, and students with prior training in computers were more satisfied with online courses. Continued research is needed to inform learner outcomes, learner characteristics, course environment, and institutional factors related to delivery system variables in order to test learning theories and teaching models inherent in course design.

Trade Books in the Mathematics Classroom: The Impact of Many, Varied Perspectives on Determinations of Quality

The integration of childrens trade books in the mathematics classroom has experienced a dramatic surge in its popularity; yet, though the positive benefits of this strategy have been well documented, these benefits may only be realized if the literature is of high quality. Utilizing a mathematics trade book evaluation instrument, this inquiry explored the impact of varied backgrounds and perspectives on determinations of quality. Utilizing 30 reviewers from five distinct groups and conducting more than 180 evaluations of six trade books, it was found that the background of the reviewer and the number of reviewers involved in the evaluation affected quality determinations. The results indicate that though instruments such as Hunsaders provide a valuable tool for evaluating mathematics literature, the evaluation process, including the number and the background of those involved in the review, greatly affects evaluation results. Subsequently, it is vital that teachers and other educators who either incorporate, or recommend the incorporation of, mathematics trade books actively explore and assess the evaluation and recommendation processes.

Unifying the Algebra for All Movement.

There exists an increased focus on school mathematics, especially first-year algebra, due to recent efforts for all students to be college and career ready. In addition, there are calls, policies, and legislation advocating for all students to study algebra epitomized by four rationales of the Algebra for All movement. In light of this movement, there must be a clear consensus about what is taught in the name of algebra. Yet, researchers documented this is not the case. The present research proposes to unify the leading algebra standards and assessment framework documents to identify the key ideas of algebra. The analysis resulted in six key ideas: (a) Variables, (b) Functions, (c) Patterns, (d) Modeling, (e) Technology, and (f) Multiple Representations. Outlined is the research process and resulting unification of existing algebra framework documents, and consideration is given for its uses in educational policy regarding algebra and potential directions for future research.

An Exploration of the Potential for Mathematical Experiences in Informal Learning Environments

ABSTRACT As young learners develop understanding of concepts in mathematics, formal learning environments tend to focus on providing isolated instruction, with limited opportunities for learning experiences that help them make connections. Informal learning environments might thus play a significant role in providing mathematical learning experiences that complement formal classroom experiences for young learners. This study was organized to determine the potential for mathematical experiences through an examination of existing informal learning opportunities and to ascertain a general perspective of the value of mathematical thinking in informal learning environments from current informal educators. This study served as exploratory research conducted to provide more information about the current evidence of math learning in informal settings. Data were collected and organized from observations at 3 local informal learning sites, interviews with leading museum educators in the region, and a written survey completed by museum educators across the nation. The findings reveal that parents/families play a critical role and the potential for mathematics in current exhibits is not emphasized.

Ways that Preservice Teachers Integrate Children's Literature into Mathematics Lessons

Childrens literature involving mathematics provides a common, natural context for the sharing of mathematics. To learn more about how preservice teachers included childrens literature in their mathematics lessons, a study was conducted over two semesters during a required field experience component of an undergraduate teacher education program. The preservice teachers were required to use a childrens literature book to explore a mathematical concept in three mathematics-focused lesson plans. The qualitative data analysis revealed that in planning mathematics lessons to incorporate childrens literature, preservice teachers tended to focus on basic approaches. Specifically, the preservice teachers most often used a book as context for review, to develop a concept, or to use with manipulatives. As a result, it is important for teacher educators to provide the opportunity for preservice teachers to learn more about the various ways of integrating literature and provide the necessary support for incorporating these strategies into their lessons.

The Impact of a Summer Mathematics Academy on Rising Kindergartners’ Understanding of Early Number Concepts

ABSTRACT This article examined the impact of a math-intensive summer academy for rising kindergartners (N = 17) enrolled in an elementary school with low socioeconomic populations. The program was designed to support student understanding of early number concepts. The research plan included the administration of the Texas Early Mathematics Inventory: Progress Monitoring (TEMI-PM), the validated assessment instrument that accompanies the research-based curriculum used in the summer academy. Participants showed statistically significant growth in the areas of magnitude comparison, number identification, and total score. Additionally, at the beginning and ending of the next school year, participants outperformed their peers in all areas measured by the TEMI-PM. Findings have implications for early number sense intervention strategies, including addressing summer learning loss.

Love It, Like It, or Leave It--Elementary Preservice Teachers' Field-Based Perspectives toward the Integration of Literature in Mathematics.

ABSTRACT Integrating literature in mathematics is a powerful strategy used by many teachers to meet the reformative goals outlined by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. This article reports a teacher education study in which 15 elementary preservice teachers engaged in a task that challenged them to link the pedagogical strategy of integrating literature in mathematics to their field-based utilization of the practice. Qualitative data gathered during participants’ concurrent enrollment in a mathematics methods course and a field-based practicum course and recorded through reflections and focus-group sessions revealed variances in participants’ perspectives toward the practice. Results indicate that the participants’ perspectives were overwhelmingly positive and variances were linked to the participants’ personal growth and development as educators. Implications and suggestions allow teacher educators to utilize perspective variances to support preservice teachers’ abilities to link the theories espoused in methods courses to the classroom utilization of said theories.