evolving research of mathematics teacher educators: the case of non-standard issues in solving standard problems

This study describes the learning of researchers who engage in mathematics teacher education as an integral part of their practice. As teacher educators working with teachers on the subject of proportional reasoning, the authors reflected on teachers solutions to a standard problem and analyzed answers that would conventionally be considered incorrect. This exploration showed that some incorrect answers made sense, were based on problem situation analysis, and brought attention to the fact that conventional formal answers were given without much deliberation on their meaning in the situation. This insight prompted a second research phase in which teachers discussed and explained alternative solutions, and developed deeper analysis of problem situation in solutions that had been correct in the first place. The importance of making teachers aware of the nature of alternative solutions was further exhibited in a third research phase in which teachers evaluated childrens answers to the same problem. The pedagogical insight that emerged stressed the importance of making teachers aware of the tension between an almost automatic application of a mathematical model, and of analyzing problem situation during problem solving. In addition, the researchers developed better understanding of the mathematical challenge associated with the proportional reasoning problem, a stronger awareness of the role of sensitivity to their learners (the teachers), and of the role of reflection.     

Using asynchronous discussion to support preservice teachers’ practicum experiences

Conclusion This multi-genre writing, multimedia, co-inquiry project produced successful end products. The middle school students gained experience in writing in a variety of genres, communicating through multiple media, and using education technology to do so. Likewise, the pre-service teachers developed their skills in these same areas. More importantly for our preservice teachers they gained teaching experience and had a chance to interact with students in the role of the teacher. This success would not have been achieved without the collaboration and cooperation of many individuals as well as access to the required technologies. The asynchronous discussion board was an important part of that success. This mode of telecommunications facilitated increased social and substantive interactions between the middle school students and the preservice teachers from the beginning to the end of the project. With careful consideration of the points and questions we present here, we hope that you will be able to adopt or adapt this mode of telecommunications to add value to your pre-service teachers’ teaching experiences and interactions with K-12 students.     

The place of practical wisdom in science education: what can be learned from Aristotelian ethics and a virtue-based theory of knowledge

This conceptual paper aims to characterize science teachers’ practical knowledge utilizing a virtue-based theory of knowledge and the Aristotelian notion of phronesis/practical wisdom. The article argues that a greater understanding of the concept of phronesis and its relevance to science education would enrich our understandings of teacher knowledge, its development, and consequently models of teacher education. Views of teacher knowledge presented in this paper are informed by philosophical literature that questions normative views of knowledge and argues for a virtue-based epistemology rather than a belief-based one. The paper first outlines general features of phronesis/practical wisdom. Later, a virtue-based view of knowledge is described. A virtue-based view binds knowledge with moral concepts and suggests that knowledge development is motivated by intellectual virtues such as intellectual sobriety, perseverance, fairness, and humility. A virtue-based theory of knowledge gives prominence to the virtue of phronesis/practical wisdom, whose primary function is to mediate among virtues and theoretical knowledge into a line of action that serves human goods. The role of phronesis and its relevance to teaching science are explained accordingly. I also discuss differences among various characterizations of practical knowledge in science education and a virtue-based characterization. Finally, implications and further questions for teacher education are presented.     

Dialectical Behavior Therapy in College Counseling Centers: Current Trends and Barriers to Implementation

The purpose of this study was to examine trends and barriers in implementation of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) programs in college counseling centers (CCCs). Participants were 107 CCC employees who participated in an electronic survey. One third of respondents endorsed use or planned use of DBT at their centers. The most prevalent primary mode of DBT offered was group skills training. Highly endorsed barriers to implementation included productivity demands and lack of individual therapists, time for team consultation, and willingness to offer phone coaching. Suggested implementation strategies include developing community partnerships, use of virtual teams, supporting programs with campus data, and adapting DBT strategically.     

The impact of polytechnic institutes on the local economy

Tertiary Education and Management - Higher education institutions and, particularly, polytechnic institutes in Portugal are, generally speaking, recognized as the key stakeholders in regional...     

Support for Comprehensive Sexuality Education and Adolescent Access to Condoms and Contraception in South Carolina

A telephone survey was administered to residents of a historically conservative southern state to assess resident's level of support for comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) in schools and support for the availability of condoms and contraception to reduce unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Data were obtained from 841 residents and findings revealed that the majority of residents: (a) support CSE, (b) support access to birth control, and (c) support the availability of condoms. Data were analyzed to determine characteristics of those in support of these prevention strategies so that data could inform key stakeholders, policy makers and health promotion strategies.     

The Use of Triadic Dialogue in the Science Classroom: a Teacher Negotiating Conceptual Learning with Teaching to the Test

Research in Science Education - The purpose of this research is to better understand the uses and potential of triadic dialogue (initiation-response-feedback) as a dominant discourse pattern in...