ERIC Number: EJ969911
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Jun
Pages: 24
Abstractor: As Provided
Reference Count: 80
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1033-2170
Caring Teaching Practices in Multiethnic Mathematics Classrooms: Attending to Health and Well-Being
Averill, Robin
Mathematics Education Research Journal, v24 n2 p105-128 Jun 2012
Factors that contribute to strong teacher-student relationships are vital to understand because of the influence these relationships have on achievement and motivation, particularly for minority group students. This article draws from a substantial quantity of empirical data, grounded in a wide theoretical and cultural base, regarding aspects of caring teacher practice to discuss mathematics teacher behaviours in relation to an existing model of health and well-being that encompasses cognitive, social, spiritual, and physical dimensions. Drawing from 100 Year 10 mathematics lesson observations involving six teachers and their classes across three urban schools, evidence emerged that for many indigenous (Maori), New Zealand Pacific, and New Zealand European students, caring teacher behaviours important for student engagement and achievement both include, and range beyond, traditional teaching practices. Examples include capitalising on student reactions and shared endeavours within the context of mathematics learning, expecting mathematical progress, showing respect for students and for their mathematics learning, being explicit about practice and expectations, incorporating one-to-one interactions, making opportunities within mathematics learning for sharing personal identities, and incorporating movement. This research illustrates how mathematics educators can attend to the specific and holistic mathematical learning needs of their students, including those often marginalised.
Descriptors: Teacher Student Relationship, Caring, Mathematics Teachers, Teacher Behavior, Mathematics Instruction, Urban Schools, Learner Engagement, Mathematics Achievement, Teaching Methods, Secondary School Students, Indigenous Populations, Ethnic Groups, Pacific Islanders, Health, Well Being, Foreign Countries
Springer. 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-348-4505; e-mail: service-ny@springer.com; Web site: http://www.springerlink.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: New Zealand

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