Un-bordering Early Mathematics Pedagogy: Culture, Content, and Identity in Critical Professional Development

Year 2010, Volume: 27 Issue: 1, 1 - 21, 03.09.2015

Patricia Marshal Allison Mcculloch

Abstract

On the whole, primary grade teachers present s light content knowledge backgrounds in mathematics, and
this bodes poorly for their preparedness to provide learning experiences that promote deep understanding for
the children they teach. For many of these teachers calls for equity in mathematics instruction, in the context
of contemporary culturally diverse U.S. schools, can constitute an overwhelming professional and personal
challenge. For others, however, juxtaposing the issues of high-quality mathematics instruction, cultural
diversity, and equity can represent a welcomed impetus to challenge themselves to examine critically the
substance of their pedagogy. This paper describes one such teacher and how she was affected by the
experience of participating in a multi-year professional development research project.

Keywords

Early mathematics pedagogy, critical, professional development

Un-bordering Early Mathematics Pedagogy: Culture, Content, and Identity in Critical Professional Development

Abstract

On the whole, primary grade teachers present s light content knowledge backgrounds in mathematics, and this bodes poorly for their preparedness to provide learning experiences that promote deep understanding for the children they teach. For many of these teachers calls for equity in mathematics instruction, in the context of contemporary culturally diverse U.S. schools, can constitute an overwhelming professional and personal challenge. For others, however, juxtaposing the issues of high-quality mathematics instruction, cultural diversity, and equity can represent a welcomed impetus to challenge themselves to examine critically the substance of their pedagogy. This paper describes one such teacher and how she was affected by the experience of participating in a multi-year professional development research project.

Keywords

Early mathematics pedagogy, critical professional development

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