In this paper we present a study conducted within the framework of an in-service professional development program for junior and senior high school mathematics teachers. The focus of the study is the analysis of processes encountered by the staff members, as members of a community of practice, which contributed to their growth as teacher…

This article presents examples that illustrate how teachers use children's literature in the teaching of mathematics. The examples are related to four curriculum ideologies that have influenced mathematics education in the USA for the last 75 years. It discusses why it is relevant to help teachers understand the ideological positions that…

This paper problematises "confidence" as a frequently used explanation for performance in the mathematics classroom. I report on an interview-based study of how some English "Advanced" level (16+) students who have chosen to study mathematics, and their teachers, speak about confidence with respect to the learning of mathematics. I outline what…

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…

This paper explores the use of study groups in a preservice primary mathematics education subject where discipline knowledge (mathematics) is integrated with pedagogical knowledge (mathematics education). In order to address the well-recognized fear and competency levels of preservice teachers in the study of mathematics, study groups were…

This study investigated the changes in conceptions on mathematics teaching and learning of preservice BScEd teachers after 12 weeks of full time teaching practice. Written answers to open ended questions administered at the beginning and end of student teaching were triangulated with interviews. The preservice teachers exhibited more differences…

Several developments during the last decades have provoked spectacular changes in both Mathematics Teaching and the Education of Mathematics Teachers. From this perspective of renovation, we wish to define a new context in mathematics teacher education in which we consider that "pedagogical content knowledge" (Shulman, 1993, Mellado, 1998; Blanco…

Recent teacher professional development in California tends to focus on increasing teachers' mathematical knowledge. In Australia, pedagogically focused programs are preferred. The two approaches are contrasted by comparing a Californian professional development model based on improving mathematical knowledge in number and algebra with a New South…

This article describes a specific approach to a teacher investigation of students' written work. The aim of the investigation was for in-service middle school teachers to externalize their thinking about their students' mathematical thinking and to then reflect upon these externalizations and make refinements accordingly. This aim mirrors the…

Historically, teachers implemented mathematics reform recommendations by infusing new activities into the curriculum. However, mathematics instruction continues to be teacher centred, challenging professional developers to find new ways to encourage teachers' growth. This study used activity-reflective cycles (Tzur & Simon, 1999) to examine…

Sketches the background of the issue "Teams, Communities and Networks", reflects the increasing importance of its theme, and introduces four contributions that include two research papers, one paper dedicated to "Teacher Education Around the World", and a book review. (Author/KHR)

Discusses professional development intervention that attempted to start a professional community of secondary mathematics teachers through in-service work on mathematical problem solving and technology. Suggests that use of mathematical content explorations in professional development settings help mathematics teachers build professional…

Examines values that seven secondary geometry teachers placed on their participation in a school-based study group and the organizational structure and the impact of that structure on teachers' continued participation in the study group. Shows that the teachers were supported in building community and relationships, making connections across…

Describes an innovative outreach program integrated with a university curriculum in which a group of pre-service teachers taking mathematics education as a major were involved in teaching mathematics to girls at Tennyson House. Reflects on what was experienced and learned from the intervention in terms of three aspects: (1) learning about…

Explores the influence of student teachers' subject matter knowledge on the process of pedagogical reasoning and the influence of images of mathematics, teaching, and learning on student teachers' organization of subject matter. Four student teachers differed in subject-matter knowledge both in aspects of concepts they emphasized and in the use of…