Gender differences in mathematics and science competitions: A systematic review

Gendered patterns in mathematics and science interest emerge in early childhood, develop over time, and ultimately reflect advanced course selection in secondary education. During the crucial time adolescents become aware of their strengths and interests and specialize accordingly, they get the opportunity to participate in out-of-school learning programs such as mathematics and science competitions. This raises the question whether mathematics and science competitions contribute to gender equity by equally promoting female and male interests. In this article, we present a systematic review on gender differences and the mechanisms explaining success and failure in mathematics and science competitions. On an international level, we found large gender differences regarding participation in all Olympiads with the exception of the biology Olympiad. In fairs and national Olympiads, overall participation rates were not gendered as such, but females preferred biology topics whereas males preferred physics related topics. Male and female achievement in fairs was comparable, but males clearly outperformed female participants at the Olympiads, with the smallest differences in the biology Olympiad. Variables and theoretical frameworks explaining participation and achievement and the role of gender in mathematics and science competitions are discussed. We suggest that gender stereotypes, through their influence on self-concept and interest, play an important role in the mechanisms resulting in low female participation rates in and beyond mathematics and science competitions (especially in physics and chemistry). The mechanisms we found explaining female representation during a national selection competition might be considered as reflecting those in female mathematics or science careers and could thus serve as food for thought on countering the gender gap in mathematics and science.     

Transitioning from practicing teacher to teacher leader: a case study

Given US students’ lack of international competitiveness in mathematics and science, many states have adopted the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSM). To help ensure that the Standards for Mathematical Practice within the CCSSM and effective teaching practices are implemented appropriately, many teachers are emerging as teacher leaders with the intent of supporting teachers with this implementation. Unfortunately, not all of these teachers are necessarily prepared in the field of teacher leadership. Recognizing the importance of having well-prepared teacher leaders, this article describes the case of Ms. Hodges, as she transitioned from mathematics teacher to teacher leader. Data revealed that several factors affected Ms. Hodges’ transition, some positively and others negatively. These results as well as implications for teacher leader development are provided.     

元认知训练对高等数学教学效果影响的实验研究

采用对比实验的方法考察元认知训练对高等数学教学效果的影响,研究结果表明,结合元认知训练的教学效果高于普通教学,元认知训练促进了学生高等数学学业成绩的提高,同时有助于培养学生数学学习的自我意识,使他们掌握矫正与控制数学学习活动的技能,从而深刻领悟数学的真谛.     

数学建模在高等数学教学中的应用实例

数学建模的思想已经渗入理科各个学科,而数学建模真正走进课堂还需要认真探讨与实践。分析了高等数学教学中结合数学建模思想的重要性与可行性,联系高等数学教学中的一个内容即微分方程问题,探讨了高等数学教学与数学建模的有机结合.     

高等职业院校高等数学课学习动机激发策略

高等数学是高等职业教育的一门重要的基础课。我国大部分高职院校高等数学的教学效果并不理想,未能达成预定的教学目标,其中一个很重要的原因就是学生对该学科认知不足,学习动机缺乏。奥苏贝尔学习动机理论认为学习者的学习动机将直接影响着学习效果,因此,有必要提出高等职业院校高等数学课学习动机激发的几点策略。     

对大学数学与高中数学课程内容的衔接问题的思考

首先分析当前大学数学与高中数学缺乏衔接所造成的问题,然后回顾我国在基础教育领域开始了由应试教育向素质教育转变的新一轮的课程改革,对《高中数学新课程标准》要求的教学内容和大学数学的教学内容两者作了比较分析,最后提出了大学数学教学改革的几方面的建议。     

浅谈数学教学中的情趣教学

教学作为一门主要课程伴随着众位学子,这门课程即是重点又是难点.本文针对学生在学习数学的过程中遇到的问题,提出情境设问、设疑重难点、设疑结尾、布置作业等方法来解决,以提高学生学习数学的兴趣.     

数学教育中的认知心理初探

文章针对如何提高数学教学质量这一研究课题,从心理学角度,结合数学学科教育的特殊性与实践结果,分析了如何实现有效的数学教育,提倡知情意合一的数学教育模式.     

财经类院校的数学建模活动与学生数学素质培养

分析了财经院校本科专业的数学教育现状和学生数学素质培养方面存在的问题,详细阐述了大学生数学建模活动的主旨、特点及作用,指出数学建模活动在培养学生的数学素质,特别是在提高学生的创新能力方面有明显的效果.进行了两次财经院校本科生数学学习现状的问卷调查,并对调查结果进行了分析.最后,指出了大学生数学建模活动进一步深入发展的必由之路是以数学基础课为主干,实现数学基础知识与体现数学应用特点的数学模型的有机结合.     

数学系师范生函数教学知识的调查研究

围绕函数知识的三个方面（概念表征、图像性质、复合函数与反函数）设计了测试问卷,调查教育部某直属师范大学数学系139名师范生函数教学知识的状况。结果表明,师范生函数教学知识水平有了一定的发展,但是内部各成分之间存在较多的不一致：（1）师范生的内容与教学知识水平比内容与学生知识水平低,主要表现在师范生概念表征、复合函数与反函数这两个方面。（2）在内容与学生知识领域内,师范生关于图像性质的水平低于其他两个成分上的水平。（3）在内容与教学知识领域内,师范生关于概念表征、图像性质、复合函数与反函数的水平两两之间都存在着显著差异。