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Eric.ed.gov – Academic Competitions Serve the U.S. National Interests

eric.ed.gov har udgivet: Competitions are used by many teachers at the grass roots level to develop the talents of their gifted students. Each year the top Math, Chemistry, and Physics Olympiad students are identified and assembled into national teams that compete against teams from around the world. This article summarizes findings from the American Olympiad study. Our investigators analyzed data from 345 adult Olympians and found that 52% earned doctorates, and these individuals pursued careers in technical areas that benefit the nation. So far these Olympians have published 8,629 publications, and many of the Olympians have assumed positions in universities or research institutions that contribute to the productivity of the United States. Their success supports competitions as a viable alternative for developing the talents of the gifted. (Contains 1 figure… Continue Reading

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Eric.ed.gov – Constructing a Secure Mathematics Pipeline for Minority Students. Math Research-Based Decision Making Series 9504.

eric.ed.gov har udgivet: This report examines issues in the low achievement of American students in mathematics, with emphasis on the low representation of minority students in this field. American myths about mathematics which emphasize the importance of innate ability rather than hard work are seen as reinforcing racial and gender stereotypes about who can do mathematics. Examples of prominent mathematicians and physicists whose lives counter these myths are offered. Comparisons are made showing that American students at all levels lag behind their foreign counterparts in mathematics achievement. Details of these comparisons and how they have influenced reform efforts in mathematics education are considered. Specific barriers to mathematics achievement experienced by minority students are identified and statistics showing minority underrepresentation in this field are detailed. The Strengthening Underrepresented Minority Mathematics Achievement… Continue Reading

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Eric.ed.gov – On Teaching Problem Solving in School Mathematics

eric.ed.gov har udgivet: The article begins with a brief overview of the situation throughout the world regarding problem solving. The activities of the ProMath group are then described, as the purpose of this international research group is to improve mathematics teaching in school. One mathematics teaching method that seems to be functioning in school is the use of open problems (i.e., problem fields). Next we discuss the objectives of the Finnish curriculum that are connected with problem solving. Some examples and research results are taken from a Finnish-Chilean research project that monitors the development of problem-solving skills in third grade pupils. Finally, some ideas on “teacher change” are put forward. It is not possible to change teachers, but only to provide hints for possible change routes: the teachers themselves should… Continue Reading

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Eric.ed.gov – MIXED: Educational Perspectives from Families of Mixed East and West Educational Background

eric.ed.gov har udgivet: Will my children’s creativity be hindered if I place them within the rigidity of an East Asian school? Conversely, could my children’s math and science skills benefit from the high expectations of an East Asian curriculum and teacher? The purpose of this study is two-fold. Firstly, it aims to demonstrate that comparison between Eastern and Western educational traditions can be framed in terms of a dialectic concerning students’ development, autonomy, learning environment, and curricula. Secondly, it is to analyze the substance and effects of this dialectic in the context of 15 families of mixed educational background situated between Eastern and Western educational traditions. These families in Hong Kong have access to educational opportunities for their children in adherence to educational styles associated with either Eastern or Western… Continue Reading

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Eric.ed.gov – Mathematics Stories: Preservice Teachers’ Images and Experiences as Learners of Mathematics

eric.ed.gov har udgivet: This study seeks to determine whether national trends in subject matter knowledge and in curricular experiences hold true for prospective teachers who attended K-12 schooling during the reform period. It further seeks to determine other influences on teachers’ visions of mathematics and goals for themselves as mathematics teachers. Teachers’ past experiences and knowledge have an impact on their ability to teach mathematics. Autobiographies, or what they are calling math stories, provide one way to study these experiences. Through the powerful lens of mathematics stories, this study seeks to view teachers’ past experiences, to begin to deconstruct possible limiting notions, and to build on solid notions of mathematics and mathematics instruction to better shape classroom practice for tomorrow’s students. (Contains 3 tables and 1 figure.) Link til kilde

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Eric.ed.gov – Cross-Country Evidence on Teacher Performance Pay. Program on Education Policy and Governance Working Papers Series. PEPG 10-11

eric.ed.gov har udgivet: The general-equilibrium effects of performance-related teacher pay include long-term incentive and teacher-sorting mechanisms that usually elude experimental studies but are captured in cross-country comparisons. Combining country-level performance-pay measures with rich PISA-2003 international achievement microdata, this paper estimates student-level international education production functions. The use of teacher salary adjustments for outstanding performance is significantly associated with math, science, and reading achievement across countries. Scores in countries with performance-related pay are about one quarter standard deviations higher. Results avoid bias from within-country selection and are robust to continental fixed effects and to controlling for non-performance-based forms of teacher salary adjustments. (Contains 7 tables, and 1 figure, and 18 footnotes.) Link til kilde

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Eric.ed.gov – The Effect of Reading Comprehension on the Performance in Science and Mathematics

eric.ed.gov har udgivet: Mathematics and Science classes in schools have become a focus to be considered in terms of educational systems and administration around the world in the last decade. Related to the mentioned classes, there are many benefits that lead students to academic success. In the recent years, educators have found that there are so many different factors that effect students’ performance in science and math classes. Especially reading comprehension has changed so many traditional procedures in teaching math and science. It also shows remarkable benefits. This research focuses on the effects of reading comprehension on mathematics and science achievement. Students’ academic performance on the mentioned classes and their motivation towards those courses will also be the focus of the research. The research is based on the data gathered… Continue Reading

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Eric.ed.gov – Investigation of Finnish and German 9th Grade Students’ Personal Meaning with Relation to Mathematics

eric.ed.gov har udgivet: This study focuses on a comparison of personal meanings that students from Finland (FIN) and Germany (GER) assign to (learning) mathematics. Participants are 256 Finnish and 276 German ninth graders. The survey consists of 18 scales that are based on the theory of personal meaning. The original German version was translated into Finnish. Using item response theory (IRT) partial credit models, the psychometric properties of the scales were found to be good. As statistical procedure, Differential Item Functioning (DIF) analysis and mean comparisons were conducted to compare the two groups’ (FIN and GER) responses. Indicators of educational system and curriculum could be found in students’ responses to explain similarities and differences between the two samples. In both countries, social inclusion is meaningful for most of the students… Continue Reading

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Eric.ed.gov – The Three-Factor Model: A Study of Common Features in Students’ Attitudes towards Studying and Learning Science and Mathematics in the Three Countries of the North Calotte Region

eric.ed.gov har udgivet: This study investigated common features of students’ attitudes towards studying science and mathematics in comprehensive and secondary schools in three countries. Data were obtained by conducting a survey (N = 581) in Norway, Finland and Russia. A Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) provided a model with a three-factor solution consisting of factors: the perception of the teacher, anxiety towards science and mathematics, and motivation. The results suggest that most students are motivated to study sciences and mathematics. Data analysis indicate gender differences in attitudes to students’ future studies and career plans. Most girls recognized the importance of these subjects for their future studies and careers, while boys showed more interest than girls in local career opportunities in industry. Teachers have a significant role in directing students’ attitudes toward… Continue Reading