The new Queensland "Mathematics Years 1-10 Syllabus" differs from previous syllabuses in that it has an outcomes structure that describes how students think, reason, and work mathematically. The main challenge for secondary teachers implementing the new syllabus lies in taking a more investigative approach to "working…

The introduction of technology resources into mathematics classrooms promises to create opportunities for enhancing students' learning through active engagement with mathematical ideas; however, little consideration has been given to the potential for technology to promote a more collaborative approach to learning. This paper draws on data from a…

This paper describes the actions of one secondary school mathematics teacher in establishing a community of mathematical practice within which students acquire not only knowledge and skills, but also the epistemological values of mathematics. Classroom observations over a period of 18 months, together with interview and questionnaire data, are…

Argues that research efforts need to be invested in preservice teacher education if genuine and lasting reform of mathematics teaching is to be achieved. Draws parallels between two separate studies, which applied sociocultural theories of learning to explore the nature of expert scaffolding in structuring learners' thinking. (Contains 30…

Presents a study that investigates ways to promote the development of reasoning and problem-solving skills in a secondary mathematics classroom and summarizes the key concepts from sociocultural theory. Examines three cases in which students appeared to resist interaction and communication with their peers. Contains 11 references. (ASK)

This paper addresses the evidence that secondary school students use to imply that they understand something in mathematics. As part of a larger study, an open-ended questionnaire probing several aspects of metacognitive self-knowledge, was administered to students (N=72) in four schools. Two previously identified types of understanding were…

Draws on data from a three-year longitudinal study of secondary school classrooms to examine pedagogical issues in using technology resources in mathematics teaching, graphing calculators and overhead projection panels in particular. Theorizes four roles for technology in relation to teaching and learning interactions. Illustrates how technology…

Reports on a 3-year study of patterns of student-student social interaction that mediated metacognitive activity in senior secondary school mathematics classrooms. Unsuccessful problem solving was characterized by students' poor metacognitive decisions exacerbated by lack of critical engagement with each other's thinking while successful outcomes…

Analysis of protocols from think-aloud paired problem-solving sessions of 2 year-11 students found that, although the students were generally successful in coordinating their different, yet complementary, problem-solving roles, their metacognitive decision making was sometimes adversely affected by the social interaction between them. (17…

Describes a study of 2 secondary students working problems over a 10-week period. Information on metacognitive awareness, confidence, and ability were collected through two videotaped sessions and questionnaires. Results suggest impulsiveness and perceived order of merit inhibit effective problem solving. (MTE)