Kristen Tripet

Professional growth and change through communities of inquiry

Contact Author: Kristen Tripet (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

Australian Academy of Science, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Researchers have examined different approaches, processes, and resources to understand and identify characteristics of effective professional learning (PL) for teachers. Some characteristics of effective PL that have emerged from this research work include: practice-based learning; drawing on teachers’ practical knowledge and experience; school-based programs; learning in community (Borko et al., 2010; Chapman, 2011).

This paper reports on a study of a PL program designed to build primary teachers’ capability in delivering mathematics instruction. The study was guided by the question: What are teachers’ conceptions and practices relating to inquiry-based instruction in mathematics prior to and after their involvement in the PL program?

Debby Knoke

Engaging students in math through social justice and TikTok

Contact Author: Debby Knoke (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

This paper offers a possible solution to increasing student engagement with mathematics by focusing on integrating social justice topics within a math curriculum using social media. Social media is used to introduce social justice topics, and through increased project-based instruction, students use mathematics as they critically think, and problem solve global issues. Engagement with an integrated social justice and math curriculum, students can build and strengthen their sense of belonging with their local, regional, and international communities, that will provide them with an opportunity to develop an awareness of their ability to contribute within our society. The use of social media, specifically TikTok, provides an alternative platform to attract and engage students with global issues and further develop their understanding and use of math to solve problems, as well as understanding the ethical use of technology.