Teachers’ Problem-Solving Beliefs and Their Practices in Mathematics Classrooms: A Case of Grade 7 & 8 Primary School Teachers’ in Bahir Dar Town
Journal Title: Journal of Education, Society and Behavioural Science - Year 2017, Vol 19, Issue 1
Abstract
The major purpose of this study was to investigate teachers’ beliefs about the role of problem solving in learning mathematics and their classroom practices of grade 7 and 8 mathematics teachers. Descriptive survey method was employed for the study. The data required for the study were collected from teachers using questionnaires. The findings of the study indicated that teachers have generally traditional beliefs about the role of problem solving in learning mathematics. In relation to problem solving approaches, there appeared to be more of a focus on teaching for problem solving rather than teaching through problem solving. Most of the teachers support the more traditional practices of presenting problems to students at the end of the topic after basic facts and procedures (algorithms) have been rehearsed. Consequently, teachers view the role of problem solving as the means to an end of finding the correct answer rather than viewing as a means of learning mathematics or a way of thinking. Teachers were more frequently employ the more traditional practices of giving exercises to students to practice their skills instead of focusing on problems. There exists a strong positive correlation between teachers’ beliefs about the role of problem solving in learning mathematics and their classroom practice. Implication of the Study was to identify and clarify teachers’ beliefs and their practice regarding problem solving approach of teaching. So that teacher education, curriculum developers, ongoing teacher development and teaching practice would be informed to address gaps in this regard. The study could be of some help to teachers, students, school principals, education officers, and regional education Bureau to be informed about the current practice of problem solving approach of teaching in mathematics classrooms so as to take corrective measures whenever possible. Finally, the research report might be used as a reference for further studies.
Authors and Affiliations
Asrat Dagnew
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP320348
- DOI 10.9734/BJESBS/2017/29414
- Views 102
- Downloads 0
Exploring the Campus Male Dominant Presence in Female Students’ Lifestyle
Having a way of living and being in control of how to live are ordinary human desires and aspirations. There are lots of influences on the way we live and act. These obviously indicate how we are limited in fully steerin...
Study on Language Protection: A Book Review on Comparison Study on Language Protection in China and Abroad
The book entitled Comparison study on language protection in China and abroad is written by Chunlin Yao, an associate professor in Tianjin Chengjian University. It is published by a Chinese influential press China Social...
Perceptions of Secondary School Principals, Teachers and Students on Quality Education, Bahirdar City: Ethiopia
This study attempted to find out the perceptions of principals, teachers and students about quality of education in secondary school in Bahir dar city. The research design for the study is descriptive survey. The samples...
Education in Constitutions in a Globalised World (A Context Analysis)
In the globalised world where people travel from one country to other easily and also live there, it may be crucial to know the similarity or the difference of constitutions, the basis of the whole legal regulations in t...
Enhancing English Competences in Tanzania: Developing Activity-oriented Learning Materials in Poetry Lessons
The competence-based English syllabus was introduced in Tanzania in 2005. The use of activity oriented lessons is believed to engage students’ minds actively as envisaged. A decade has passed yet no improvement in studen...