Research behind the Best Evidence Synthesis

Item number
BES007

BES selection
Mathematics BES

Format
Book chapter

Title
A snapshot of the discourse used in mathematics where students are mostly Pasifika (a case study in two classrooms)

Author
Irwin, Kathie ; Woodward, J

Publisher
Ministry of Education

Publishing Year
2005

Source
In: Findings from the New Zealand Numeracy Development Project 2004 / contracted researchers J. Higgins ... [et al.] ; foreword D. Holton. Wellington,. Ministry of Education. 2005: p.66-73

ISBN
079031049X

Subject
Curriculum

Descriptors
Curriculum ; Pacific Islanders ; Mathematics education ; Mathematics skills ; Mathematics teaching ; Teacher effectiveness ; Case studies ; Numeracy ; Pasifika education

Age Focus
Adolescents (13 to 17 years)

Education level
Secondary education

Language
English

Country
New Zealand

How to obtain
Available online at the NZ Maths Compendium

URL
http://www.nzmaths.co.nz/sites/default/files/Numeracy/References/comp_irwin_woodward.pdf

Abstract
This report concentrates on the discourse that one teacher used with her students who were predominantly Pasifika. It shows that the teacher used questioning and response styles in her interviewing and class lessons that were consistent with the pedagogy of the Numeracy Development Project (NDP). There is some evidence that students used some characteristics of this discourse with one another when working on problems together. This discourse emphasises explaining one’s thinking rather than merely providing correct answers. There is less evidence that the NDP places emphasis on the use of correct mathematical terms and on presenting complete evidence of the forms that guide thinking in more advanced mathematics. It is suggested that an emphasis on terms and logical explanations in mathematical discourse be added to the NDP to increase the likelihood of all students having an equal chance of success in mathematics. (Author)

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The Iterative Best Evidence Synthesis programme (BES) : New Zealand Ministry of Education
http://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/themes/BES