Students home alone—profiles of internal and external conditions associated with mathematics learning from home

This study aims at describing differences in internal and external resources of students to handle mathematics learning from home. Based on data from N = 223 7th-grade secondary school students gathered via an online survey at the end of the first school year during the COVID-19 pandemic, we used latent profile analysis to identify student profiles defined by the internal factors perceived value and success of students' math learning from home and the external factors family support and teacher support—all specifically related to home learning. A number of general learning conditions, comprising internal (e.g., sustained attention) and external factors (e.g., socioeconomic status), are included as outcome variables. The best-fitting four-profile solution suggests one profile with comparably unfavorable internal and external resources. About 35% of the students are assigned to that profile. The other three profiles show combinations of, relative to the sample, more and less promising specific home learning and general learning conditions suggesting that these students have different resources available in the face of learning mathematics from home. © 2022, The Author(s).

Empowering mathematics teachers to meet evolving educational goals: the role of "epistemic objects” in developing actionable practice knowledge in tumultuous times

In recent decades, the aims and objectives of education–and therefore public discourse on the appropriate skills and attributes of mathematics teachers–have been rapidly shifting due to forces from outside the teaching profession. The forces driving change in mathematics are as diverse as the emergence of "Industry 4.0” and "STEM,” new directions in transnational education policy making, and the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper contributes to a growing literature seeking to empower teachers to respond to the complexity of such multifaceted change expansively rather than defensively. It does so through the refinement and application of practical theories of educational change and approaches to building actionable practice knowledge. Specifically, this paper will argue for the use of the epistemic object as a practical focus for changes to practice chosen by the profession. This argument will be made within the framework of practice architectures offered by Kemmis and others. The paper first considers the impact of some recent disruptions on teaching and then provides a "worked example” of using mathematical proficiencies as an epistemic object able to practically support teachers to develop actionable knowledge grounded in the specifics of their own professional context. © 2022 Australian Teacher Education Association.

The solo pantomime in the pandemic: Distance postgraduate education in the department of mathematics education during COVID-19

Turkey experiences distance education at the master's and doctorate degrees for the first time. This study aims to reveal the essence of the distance education experiences of mathematics teachers who continue their postgraduate education with distance education due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study was carried out using the phenomenological research design with six mathematics teachers who continue their postgraduate education at a state university in the Central Anatolia Region in the 2019-2020 academic year. Of the participants selected by the criterion sampling, three were master's degree students and three were doctoral degree students. Research data were collected using semi-structured interview forms designed in line with expert opinions. The interviews were conducted online via video call on the WhatsApp application due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The experiences of the participants were identified with the phenomenon of "solo pantomime”. Participants had positive experiences such as easy access, possibility of review, improvement in technological pedagogical content knowledge, and negative experiences such as communication and connection problems, the irregularity in the schedule, inadequacy of the lesson hours, and focusing problems regarding synchronized distance education. Distance graduate education is also considered quite suitable for mathematics education courses, but insufficient for mathematics field courses. It is also understood that some participants had plans to make radical changes in their thesis topics. Participants avoid long-term experimental studies or studies that can be conducted with a large sample, and they tend towards studies that can be carried out with document analysis or small groups and had problems with their supervisors.

The impact of COVID-19 on the format and nature of academic conferences in mathematics education.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has provided an opportunity to re-examine the possibility of organising virtual conferences in mathematics education, in which the social needs of participants can also be addressed. In this study we investigated the future impact that this change may have on the format and nature of mathematics education conferences. The study was conducted in two phases. We used an online questionnaire in which we asked participants to give us some input on the issues above. In the second phase of the project, focus group interviews were conducted with international mathematics education researchers. This study is an exploratory study, in which the sample was not developed in a way that could generate comparisons. The aim of the study was to raise possibilities about what may be the future of mathematics education conferences. Findings indicate that although academics are pro-actively thinking about alternative conference formats, the proven value of face-to-face conferences is still very real, showing that it is too early for us to have a clear vision of the future format of academic conferences.

Intelligent tutoring systems for word problem solving in COVID-19 days: could they have been (part of) the solution?

The COVID-19 pandemic led to the lockdown of schools in many countries, forcing teachers and students to carry out educational activities remotely. In the case of mathematics, developing remote instruction based on both synchronous and asynchronous technological solutions has proven to be an extremely complex challenge. Specifically, this was the case in topics such as word problem solving, as this domain requires intensive supervision and feedback from the teacher. In this piece of research, we present an evaluation of how technology is employed in the teaching of mathematics, with particular relevance to learning during the pandemic. For that purpose, we conducted a systematic review, revealing the almost complete absence of experiments in which the use of technology is not mediated by the teacher. These results reflect a pessimistic vision within the field of mathematics education about the possibilities of learning when the student uses technology autonomously. Bringing good outcomes out of a bad situation, the pandemic crisis may represent a turning point from which to start directing the research gaze towards technological environments such as those mediated by artificial intelligence. As an example, we provide a study illustrating to what extent intelligent tutoring systems can be cost-effective compared to one-to-one human tutoring and mathematic learning-oriented solutions for intensive supervision in the teaching of word problem solving, especially appropriate for remote settings. Despite the potential of these technologies, the experience also showed that student socioeconomic level was a determining factor in the participation rate with an intelligent tutoring system, regardless of whether or not the administration guaranteed students' access to technological resources during the COVID-19 situation.

How Can Flipped Learning Continue in a Fully Online Environment? Lessons Learned During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Teachers and students had an unusual experience in 2020. Due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, regular teaching and learning in schools were suspended in many countries. The prolonged school closure presented unprecedented challenges because all teaching and learning activities had to be converted to a fully online format. This article reports on an attempt to sustain flipped learning using real-time online instruction. A flipped lesson on the cross-disciplinary applications of linear systems (i.e., balancing chemical equations) is presented in detail. Student feedback and the lessons learned from the experience are discussed.

Teachers' instructional responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, schools transitioned to Emergency Remote Teaching (ERT). In May 2020, as part of an existing study of flipped Algebra instruction, we interviewed eleven Missouri teachers to understand how their instruction changed as they moved to ERT. Drawing on practical rationality, we found the pandemic led to a breach of norms (assigning grades, synchronous meeting times, delivering new content, and students' completion of work). Findings highlight the interconnected nature of norms and reveal differences in teachers' responses to the breach of norms. We found administrative policies, particularly around grading, significantly impact teachers' decisions during ERT.

Challenges of Virtual Learning Environment in Mathematics in the Context of Nepal

The aim of this study was to identify the challenges faced by the learners in virtual learning in mathematics. A qualitative case study was conducted in Mid-western University, Nepal. Altogether ten participants from different districts of Karnali Province were chosen purposively. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were the tools of data collection. Collected data were transcribed, coded and categorized to develop themes. The method of data analysis is thematic with quotations and block quotes. The study revealed that virtual learning is an opportunity in higher education for job holders and married women as well as others who could not join face to face classes, although it has many challenges. The finding indicates that the learners have faced pedagogical challenges, technological challenges, challenges of time management, environmental challenges and psychological challenges.

Parental Obstacles during Distance Learning Mathematics in Indonesia: A Phenomenology Study

The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has caused an inevitable shift from face-to-face to distance learning, a phenomenon known as panic-gogy. Parents are the main students' companions while studying at home. Although various studies show the constraints in this condition, few employ phenomenology that accurately describes people's experience regarding a situation. Therefore, this study aimed to describe parents' experience during distance learning mathematics using a phenomenology approach. The participants comprised 71 35-50-year-old parents of junior high school students. A Google form with open-ended questions was used as the main instrument in data collection. Data were analyzed using NVivo-12-assisted thematic analysis in coding, while source triangulation was used to strengthen the data trustworthiness. The results showed that students did not learn the content well due to poor explanations by the teacher. Furthermore, they did not study well at home due to signal constraints and quota limitations. This study recommends blended learning by combining limited face-to-face and online learning.

Moving Forwards, Making a Difference: A Planning Guide for Schools 2022-23

Instability caused by the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) completely transformed teaching and learning in schools. Throughout this time, teachers and school leaders have had to find new ways to conduct lessons, assess learning, and maintain relationships with the children in their care. This guide is designed to support teachers and school leaders in identifying and addressing the key areas for development in their setting. It offers practical advice and signposts evidence-informed resources on a variety of areas of teaching practice, from ensuring high quality teaching to removing non-academic barriers to attainment. Drawing on the Education Endowment Foundation's (EEF's) tiered model, the guide is designed to support school planning. The guide aids school leaders in determining how best to focus time, effort, and resources by identifying evidence-informed strategies with the greatest potential to support pupil attainment. Alongside these strategies, the planning guide includes an array of school case studies and expert insights from school leaders, teachers and teaching assistants.

Do You Need 'The Machine'? Tipping in Canada Is Unconscious (Part I)

Constantly on the lookout for Canadian mathematics education matters, I recently experienced a major personal tipping point. The juxtaposition of two different customer service situations was simply too much for me to handle. Now through the looking glass, it was abundantly clear that tipping in Canada is unconscious, and the evidence was everywhere. The current state of financial literacy education in Canadian schools, the opportunity that COVID-19 has provided for us to renew Canada's implied gratuity guidelines, and an investigation into pre- and post-tax bill totals all supported my assertion that the tipping culture in Canada is a habit in many senses of the word. A look back at how tipping in Canada has evolved from parting with a few coins every once and a while, and a look at the evolution of the point of sale terminal, which I refer to as 'The Machine', helped me realize that I am unable to move on and start looking for other Canadian mathematics education matters just yet. After all, if Canadian mathematics education matters, then Canadian mathematics education matters. As such, Part II of this article follows in the next issue. Stay tuned.

Determining the Perceptions of Preservice Mathematics Teachers towards Mathematics Education through Visual Metaphors in the COVID-19 Process

The COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected the whole world, has led to a number of changes in education as well as in many other fields . The most important change experienced was that education transformed into online platforms. Education on online platforms has led to several effects on students, and as a result, significant changes have been observed in students' perceptions of mathematics education. The aim of this study was to determine the perceptions of pre-service mathematics teachers, who started university during the COVID-19 pandemic and took courses with synchronous distance education, through visual metaphors. The phenomenology method was used in the study. The sample of the study consisted of 31 first-year mathematics teachers who had never taken a face-to-face course at a university before. In sample selection, purposive sampling method was used. A metaphorical perception form was used to collect data. The participants were asked to make a drawing for the mathematics education they received through synchronous distance education during the COVID-19 pandemic and to explain the drawing. The findings were analyzed using content analysis method. Thus, codes were identified and then categories were established by bringing similar codes together. The findings showed that metaphors were grouped under the categories of education process and emotions. It was found both in the drawings and the explanations that the participants had a negative perception of distance mathematics education during the pandemic process. In addition, it was revealed that the participants were afraid to ask questions because they had not met their friends and teachers before, and therefore the lessons were inefficient. In line with these results, suggestions were presented to improve the efficiency of distance mathematics education.

Studies on Education, Science, and Technology 2021

Education, science, and technology disciplines at all levels have never been more important, more exciting, or more crucial for its broader impacts on human society. The need for advanced technical skills is increasingly pressing to address climate change, combat COVID and other diseases, enhance the infrastructural built environment, grow food sources to feed an expanding planetary population, make new scientific discoveries, and interface synergistically with the arts, humanities, and social sciences. Teachers/instructors/mentors/professors need to be proficient in the best ways to convey knowledge and motivate the next generations of productive and engaged citizens of an increasingly diverse planet on which its human inhabitants must learn to confront and surmount increasingly difficult challenges to survival and prosperity. Students need to be focused on honing their learning skills and adapting to an ever-evolving global economy demanding always higher levels of technical proficiency. Students also need to be free to pursue any and all areas of interest without interference from cultural, political, ideological, or faith-imposed limitations. Policymakers need to provide the financial and human resources to fuel the engine of education, and they must create the maximum possible latitude for both those who teach and those who learn to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to their limits. This book contributes to addressing these needs and to suggesting potential solutions from multiple global perspectives. Adaptability of instructional methods, relevance of instructional content to students' lived experiences, and sensitivity to the mental and physical demands imposed on students must be hallmarks of education. The book is divided into three sections related to studies on education, science, and technology. Each section includes three chapters. The chapter's contributors are from the following countries: the United States, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, Russia, and Malaysia. This diversity brings an international perspective to the book.

A New Paradigm for Early Childhood Education: Opening Doors through Virtual Kindergarten

While the COVID-19 vaccines bring hope about the end of pandemic-related closures, leaders worldwide recognize that a fundamental shift has occurred in the way we work, live, and learn. Though we will always need brick-and-mortar schools, our "new normal" must include hybrid and virtual education options for students who do not have access to safe and healthy classrooms. The consequences of not making this shift will place an at-risk generation further behind their peers. At Pathways Early Education Center of Immokalee, in Florida, educators are constantly looking for new ways to engage the children and the families in the migrant farm-working community. As educators discussed strategies to safely bring the children back into the classroom, they considered the option of enhanced virtual classes for their pre-kindergarten students. They were seeking a way to keep students who needed to quarantine for two weeks from falling behind their peers. This article discusses the results of a pilot virtual pre-kindergarten program, which showed that virtual pre-kindergarten students had more positive gains in fine motor skills. Both in-person and virtual pre-kindergarten students will be more prepared with essential skills to succeed in kindergarten than children who have not had access to early education.