Eric.ed.gov – Learning To Teach Math Differently: The Effect of “Investigations” Curriculum on Teachers’ Attitudes and Practices.

A number of initiatives have been successful in helping teachers change their knowledge and practices in teaching mathematics. This paper reports on the results of a reform effort using curriculum materials as a vehicle for change. The professional development program called “Insights and Investigations” incorporated four types of professional development experiences. Teachers met monthly in grade-level sessions with one of three mathematics educators on the Delaware SSI/PRoject 21 staff in order to get collegial support and encouragement as they implemented “Investigations” in their classrooms. According to the teacher participants, the combination of utilizing “Investigations” curriculum units in the classroom, having the opportunity to do “Investigations” with their colleagues before teaching it in the classroom, reflecting on their teaching and on student learning through written reflections and discussions, and sharing with colleagues, did result in their learning to teach mathematics differently and more effectively. Appendices contain data collection instruments. (ASK)