ERIC Number: EJ1122685
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0020-739X
EISSN: N/A
A Case Study of Pedagogy of Mathematics Support Tutors without a Background in Mathematics Education
Walsh, Richard
International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, v48 n1 p67-82 2017
This study investigates the pedagogical skills and knowledge of three tertiary-level mathematics support tutors in a large group classroom setting. This is achieved through the use of video analysis and a theoretical framework comprising Rowland's Knowledge Quartet and general pedagogical knowledge. The study reports on the findings in relation to these tutors' provision of mathematics support to first and second year undergraduate engineering students and second year undergraduate science students. It was found that tutors are lacking in various pedagogical skills which are needed for high-quality learning amongst service mathematics students (e.g. engineering/science/technology students), a demographic which have low levels of mathematics upon entering university. Tutors teach their support classes in a very fast didactic way with minimal opportunities for students to ask questions or to attempt problems. It was also found that this teaching method is even more so exaggerated in mandatory departmental mathematics tutorials that students take as part of their mathematics studies at tertiary level. The implications of the findings on mathematics tutor training at tertiary level are also discussed.
Descriptors: Case Studies, Mathematics Education, Tutors, Teaching Skills, Pedagogical Content Knowledge, Science Education, Engineering Education, Knowledge Level, Classroom Observation Techniques, Lesson Observation Criteria, Protocol Materials, Protocol Analysis, Beliefs, Transformative Learning, Adjunct Faculty, Undergraduate Study
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A