Using Mathematics and Statistics Education Research to Inform Classroom Practice

Using mathematics and statistics education research to inform classroom practice

By Ann Sitomer and Kelly Mercer, Portland CC

(a paper presented at the AMATYC 38th Annual Conference)

Reading a research paper

Abstract

•      Read the abstract.

•      The study may or may not have anything that addresses your question

•      Do not worry about technical language if you think there is something of interest in the article

Introduction

•      Read the introduction (or the first section of the paper)

•      The big picture is typically laid out here

Background (or Theoretical Framework or Conceptual Framework or Literature Review)

•      Skip this section for now

•      Come back to this section if you think there may be something of interest

Methods

•      Skip this section for now

•      Come back to this section if you think there may be something of interest

Results (or Findings) and Discussion

•      Read this section

•      Typically includes examples of how students interacted with the mathematical activities used in the study or within a particular instructional intervention

Conclusion

•      The conclusion typically addresses what supported student learning and what were the barriers to student learning

•      There is often a discussion about implications for practice

Some sources of quality research

Mathematics Education

·         Journal for Research in Mathematics Education (JRME)

·         Journal of Mathematical Behavior (JMB)

·         For the Learning of Mathematics

·         Mathematical Thinking and Learning

Statistics Education

·         Statistics Education Research Journal

·         Journal of Statistics Education (JSE)

·         Journal for Research in Mathematics Education (JRME)