ERIC Number: ED650898
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 200
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-5570-5122-4
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Educators' Beliefs on Evidence-Based Mathematical Problem-Solving Practices in High and Low Performing Urban Elementary Title I Schools
Robert Stewart; Kenya Hall; Ann Jemison
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, Samford University
Despite the need to possess adequate problem-solving skills (Grady, Watkins, & Montalvo, 2014), mathematics performance among students -- especially in urban communities, remains stagnant (NCES, 2003; TIMMS, 2015; NAEP, 2019). Langlie (2008) held problem-solving skills introduced in elementary schools would prepare students for tremendous academic success and productive employment. Researchers such as Stipek, Givvin, Salmon, and MacGyers (2001) have found a relationship between teacher beliefs and elementary students' performance in mathematics; however, few (e.g., Arikan, 2016; Arabeyyat, 2017) have intentionally focused on teachers' beliefs in urban schools. In this two-phase mixed-method design, the researchers focused on 26 urban elementary Title I schools. The researchers addressed elementary students' teachers' beliefs regarding instructional strategies for mathematical problem-solving and the factors that may explain differences in high versus low performing urban Title I schools. The 181 participants (93% response rate) from teachers of third through fifth-grade students on the 36-item "Indiana Mathematics Belief Scale" indicated no statistical difference in mathematical beliefs between teachers in high and low-performing schools. Analysis of 11 teacher interviews representing high-performance schools during the second phase found that they recognize the importance of conceptual understanding in mathematics. Future research avenues include a further study on educators' beliefs about problem-solving in urban school districts, research methods to address the challenges in breaking barriers to problem-solving, and professional development supports for teaching problem strategies in mathematics. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Teacher Attitudes, Beliefs, Evidence Based Practice, Problem Solving, Mathematics Achievement, Academic Achievement, Urban Schools, Disadvantaged Schools, Mathematics Instruction, Teaching Methods, High Achievement, Low Achievement, Institutional Characteristics, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Elementary Schools
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Elementary Education; Early Childhood Education; Grade 3; Primary Education; Grade 4; Intermediate Grades; Grade 5; Middle Schools
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Language: English
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