The Teaching of Mathematics at Post-Primary Level in IrelandA Review of Traditional Patterns and an Exploration of Future
Year: 2007
Type: dissertation
Abstract: This thesis appears in two parts. The first part consists o f three chapters. The first \ntwo chapters consider and review Irish post-primary mathematics in an historical \ncontext and appraise the influential forces which and players who have contributed to \nand shaped mathematics teaching and inservice courses for mathematics teachers \nfrom 1924 to 2005. A review o f the literature exploring the quality and shortcomings \nof teaching and learning at Junior Cycle level follows.\nPart II contains the empirical study. The first chapter in this part describes the design \nand scope o f the methodology used in the intensive study which was undertaken in \nthree different Irish post-primary schools. This study was over a complete three year \nJunior Cycle period and attempted to analyse and gain insights into the teaching and \nlearning of mathematics. Based on video analysis, the dominant teaching \nmethodologies employed in the classes are described and examined. By analysing \nquestionnaires and interviews with students and teachers, their attitudes and \nperspectives on teaching and learning mathematics are presented. The thesis \nconcludes with a review o f the mam findings arising from this research. Finally, \nrecommendations are put forward that seek to address issues such as the \nshortcomings in teaching and learning mathematics in Irish post-primary schools, the \ncontinuing professional development of mathematics teachers and the support \nstructures necessary to cultivate richer teaching and learning environments for all.
Author: Anne Brosnan
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: green
Funder: University College Dublin
OpenAlex ID: W38924181