Audit of mathematics learning support in Ireland in 2015 – the key findings

In 2015 the Irish Mathematics Learning Support Network (IMLSN) commissioned a comprehensive audit of the extent and nature of mathematics learning support (MLS) provision on the island of Ireland. An online survey was sent to 32 institutions, including universities, institutes of technology, further education and teacher training colleges, and a 97% response rate was achieved. While the headline figure – 84% of institutions that responded to the survey provide MLS – sounds good, deeper analysis reveals that the true state of MLS is not so solid. For example, in 25% of institutions offering MLS, only five hours per week (at most) of physical MLS are available, while in 20% of institutions the service is provided by only one or two staff members. Furthermore, training of tutors is minimal or non-existent in at least half of the institutions offering MLS. The results provide an illuminating picture, however, identifying the true state of MLS in Ireland is beneficial only if it informs developments in the years ahead. This talk will present some of the findings of the survey in more depth along with conclusions and recommendations. Key among these is the need for institutions to recognise MLS as a vital element of mathematics teaching and learning strategy at third level and devote the necessary resources to facilitate the provision of a service which can grow and adapt to meet student requirements.

Understanding Teacher and Student Learning Situated in a School-wide Implementation of Fractions Instruction

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Washington, 2016-06

Aspectos do desenvolvimento da experiência docente na educação superior: um estudo sob a ótica da teoria dos gêneros de atividade

This analysis introduces results related to development of teaching experience from two professors of one Federal University who have taken part of one action of continued teacher training. We consider that the interplay among the individual, the language and the world cannot function straightly. It occurs through utterances, defined like real unit discursive communication, and genres of discourse (BAKHTIN, 1979/2011). Along the same line, the relation between the employee and his employment do not occur in a direct manner. This relationship takes place through genres of activity (CLOT, 2008/2010). As well as, a domain of speech genres has given possibility to individual an interaction with several discursive fields, a domain of activity genre allows the professional protruding in difficult situations traced in his employment. We know that the drafting for wield the teaching in the Tertiary Education is recommended by LDBEN (9394/96), which suggests that should be done in postgraduate program. In the mean time, what frequently happens an educational background based in a survey and not in the teaching. Thereby, several times we have observed difficulties in the accomplishment of teaching practice. Considering such aspects, this study seeks to comprehend the manner how the lecturers deal with the difficulties encountered in the classroom and how the years of experience have contributed or not for a domain of activity genre. In this regard, we have propped up in the development approach, introduced by Vigotsky, who asserts that the learning suitably organized results in development (VIGOTSKY, 1984/2007) and still explains the development of individual on the basis of relationship that it has with another, the social (VIGOTSKY, 1996b). For this purpose, were accomplished, by means of a snipped filmed lesson from each teacher, four sessions of self-confrontation (FAÏTA, 1996; CLOT, 2008/2010), two Simple and two Crusade, recorded in a visual format. This material was transcribed in accordance with standards from project NURC-SP (PRETI, 1999). For the analysis, we used three mains theories: of Linguistic, is mobilized the concept of speech genres (BAKHTIN) and all discursive topics (JUBRAN; FÁVERO); from Occupational Psychology, is utilized the activity genres (CLOT); from Psychology Historical-Cultural, is adopted the concept from Zone of Proximal Development and another/social in the development of individual (VIGOTSKY). In compliance with the study achieved, was possible to identify the aspects related to development of teaching experience of Tertiary Education. During the classes and reports of self-confrontation, we identify that both the professors, in the beginning of the career, they got more difficulties to deal with hindrances, and which now, with some years of experience, they get to domain better the difficult situations which they come across. They built up, for example, a greater facility in improvise examples in face of students’ difficulties in the comprehension of concepts. These aspects show that the professors have evolved the higher domain of genre, which allow them getting, in addition to turn the unexpected situation around that spring up in the professional context, as well know how to taking action in similar situation, which they have already run into in another moments. This domain enabled and enables the developing of the lecturers over the course of their professional performance.

Teacher perceived difficulty in implementing differentiated instructional strategies in primary school

This study analyses teacher perceived difficulty in implementing differentiated instructional strategies in regular classes. The participants were 273 Portuguese primary school teachers with teaching experience ranging from 1 to 33 years. A 39-item questionnaire was used to evaluate teacher perceived difficulty in relation to different instructional strategies. Teacher responses were factor analysed and five different domains were identified: (1) activities and materials; (2) assessment; (3) management; (4) planning and preparation; and (5) classroom environment. Results showed that with the exception of the classroom environment domain, all the instruction practices in the remaining domains were considered to be difficult. In particular, the most difficult practices were under the domain of activities and materials and were associated with the adaptation of curricular elements (content, process, and product) based on student characteristics (readiness, interest, and learning profiles). The results also revealed a strong association between the activities and materials domain and the assessment domain. Some implications of these findings for initial teacher training and teacher professional development programmes are discussed.

O trabalho com a oralidade em um curso de licenciatura em língua espanhola (EAD) : realidades e necessidades

Dissertação (mestrado)—Universidade de Brasília, Instituto de Letras, Departamento de Línguas Estrangeiras e Tradução, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Linguística Aplicada, 2016.

Relatório final de estágio realizado na Escola Básica e Secundária Anselmo de Andrade

O objetivo do presente relatório é analisar o processo de estágio pedagógico em Educação Física, desenvolvido na Escola Básica e Secundária Anselmo de Andrade, em Almada, no ano letivo de 2014/2015, e que consistiu na primeira experiência formativa de prática de ensino em contexto real. Toda a análise realizada teve em consideração as competências definidas no guia de estágio pedagógico a desenvolver nas quatro áreas de intervenção do presente processo formativo: organização e gestão do ensino e da aprendizagem (Área 1), investigação e inovação pedagógica (Área 2), participação na escola (Área 3) e Relações com a comunidade (Área 4). Para cada área foi elaborada uma descrição, análise, reflexão e projeção acerca de todo o trabalho que lhes foi inerente. Foram também apresentadas as dificuldades encontradas e as estratégias desenvolvidas para as superar. Para finalizar efetuei um balanço sobre a contribuição que o processo de estágio teve na minha formação enquanto futura docente da disciplina de Educação Física, destacando ainda o estágio como um processo interligado.

Relatório final de estágio realizado na Escola Básica e Secundária Anselmo de Andrade

O presente relatório assume-se como uma reflexão relativa ao processo de estágio pedagógico, inserido no mestrado em ensino da educação física nos ensinos básico e secundário, da Faculdade de Motricidade Humana e desenvolvido no ano letivo de 2014/2015. O relatório tem por base as competências enunciadas no Guia de Estágio Pedagógico de 2014/2015 no qual estão explícitos os objetivos gerais e específicos relativos a quatro áreas de intervenção: Área 1 - Organização e Gestão do Ensino e da Aprendizagem, Área 2 - Inovação e Investigação Pedagógica, Área 3 - Participação na escola e Área 4 - Relação com a comunidade. Para cada uma das áreas é apresentada uma reflexão sobre o trabalho desenvolvido nas mesmas ao longo do ano letivo, assim como as dificuldades encontradas e as estratégias desenvolvidas para as superar e a análise crítica sobre todo o processo de formação, de forma mais ampla. Por fim, efetuei uma conclusão sobre a contribuição que o presente processo de estágio teve na minha formação enquanto futura docente da disciplina de Educação Física.

Relatório final de estágio pedagógico

Após todo o processo referente ao Mestrado em Ensino da Educação Física nos Ensinos Básico e Secundário, que tomou parte numa escola secundária no concelho da Amadora, mais especificamente, na Brandoa, Escola Secundária Fernando Namora, no ano letivo de 2011/2012, serve este relatório para dar como finda esta etapa. Este Estágio teve em atenção o Guia de Estágio Pedagógico, do qual constam quatro áreas: 1. Organização e Gestão do Ensino e da Aprendizagem (Área 1); 2. Inovação e Investigação Pedagógica (Área 2); 3. Participação na Escola (Área 3); 4. Relação com a Comunidade (Área 4). Assim, e tendo em conta as competências aglomeradas nestas quatro áreas de referência, foi desenvolvido, ao longo do ano letivo, um projeto com uma turma de 7º ano da já referida escola – Escola Secundária Fernando Namora. Deste relatório constarão as principais análises e reflexões, referentes a todo o trabalho desenvolvido (estratégias, obstáculos, dificuldades, relacionamento, entre outros.), ao longo do ano letivo. Finalmente, apresentarei a reflexão crítica, que pretenderá demonstrar o papel que este Estágio teve na minha formação, tanto pessoal como profissional.

Relatório final de estágio realizado na Escola Básica Integrada Rainha Dona Leonor de Lencastre no ano letivo 2011-2012

Como parte integrante do 2º ano de Mestrado em Ensino da Educação Física nos Ensinos Básico e Secundário da Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, o presente relatório tem como finalidade analisar o processo de estágio pedagógico desenvolvido no ano letivo 2012/2013 na Escola Básica Integrada Rainha Dona Leonor de Lencastre, localizada em S. Marcos, concelho de Sintra. Este estágio tem em vista a preparação para a função docente. Todo o processo teve como referência o Guia de Estágio Pedagógico 2012/2013 onde se encontram especificados os objetivos a atingir nas quatro áreas inerentes ao processo de estágio: Organização e Gestão do Ensino e da Aprendizagem (Área 1), Inovação e Investigação Pedagógica (Área 2), Participação na Escola (Área 3) e Relação com a Comunidade (Área 4). Em relação a cada uma destas áreas será realizada uma aprofundada reflexão sobre as principais dificuldades sentidas, as estratégias utilizadas para a sua superação e os contributos finais de todo este ciclo de aprendizagem para mim enquanto professora. Em último lugar será apresentada uma reflexão global acerca de todo o processo formativo salientando as principais etapas desta longa aprendizagem e quais aquelas que considerei mais enriquecedoras para o meu futuro enquanto docente.

Relatório final de estágio pedagógico : relatório final de estágio realizado na Escola Secundária Dona Filipa de Lencastre

O presente relatório surge como uma reflexão de todo o processo de estágio pedagógico, inserido no Mestrado em Ensino da Educação Física nos Ensinos Básico e Secundário, da Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, realizado no ano letivo 2013/2014. O estágio foi desenvolvido no Agrupamento de Escolas Dona Filipa de Lencastre, tendo como base o Guia de Estágio Pedagógico de 2012/2013 onde vêm referidas as competências a adquirir nas quatro áreas de intervenção. No relatório será apresentada uma introdução do mesmo, uma contextualização da escola e do processo de estágio, o trabalho desenvolvido nas três fases de prática pedagógica (planeamento, realização e avaliação), as relações estabelecidas entre as quatro áreas, uma reflexão final e a conclusão. Na área 1-Organização e Gestão do Ensino e da Aprendizagem é referida a relação existente entre planeamento, condução e avaliação nas aulas de Educação Física. Na área 2-Inovação e Investigação Pedagógica desenvolvi um estudo sobre a relação entre a perceção de participação dos Encarregados de Educação na vida escolar dos seus educandos e o desempenho académico dos mesmos e quais as variáveis que influenciam esta perceção de participação. Na área 3-Participação na Escola participei no Desporto Escolar, na modalidade de basquetebol e desenvolvi a atividade de “supervisão do terraço”. Na área 4-Relação com a Comunidade distingo o acompanhamento da Direção de Turma e o desenvolvimento de uma atividade na comunidade envolvente à escola. Em cada uma das áreas é realizada uma reflexão sobre a prática pedagógica, as dificuldades encontradas e as estratégias utilizadas para as ultrapassar. No final, efetuei um balanço sobre o papel que o presente processo de estágio teve na minha formação enquanto futuro docente da disciplina de Educação Física.

Relatório final de estágio pedagógico realizado na Escola Secundária com 3º ciclo de Caneças

O objetivo do presente relatório é realizar uma análise critica sobre o processo de estágio pedagógico em Educação Física, desenvolvido na Escola Secundária com 3º ciclo de Caneças, Caneças, Odivelas, no ano letivo de 2012/2013 e que consistiu na primeira experiência formativa de prática de ensino em contexto real. O desenvolvimento do estágio iniciou-se com alguns condicionalismos provocados por uma situação particular da escola de estágio, que foram ultrapassados pelo bom funcionamento e dinâmica do núcleo de estágio. Verificou-se uma evolução progressiva no desempenho do professor em todas as dimensões da área da organização e gestão do ensino e da aprendizagem. A elaboração do projeto de investigação permitiu fornecer aos professores do Departamento de Educação Física soluções para ultrapassar as dificuldades de lecionação na matéria da dança. O trabalho desenvolvido nas áreas da participação da escola e da relação com a comunidade foram importantes para adquirir e compreender várias funções do professor fora do contexto da sala de aula. Como conclusão, reconhece-se que a reflexão crítica e a perseverança durante o processo formativo foi a base para o trabalho desenvolvido. Através da reflexão final é enfatizado o quanto a qualidade profissional dos professores é importante para o bom processo de ensino-aprendizagem dos alunos, assim como, a persistência e a ambição que o professor deve ter pela melhoria das suas ações.

The teaching of reading English in a foreign language in Libyan universities: methods and models

This study focuses on the learning and teaching of Reading in English as a Foreign Language (REFL), in Libya. The study draws on an action research process in which I sought to look critically at students and teachers of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in Libya as they learned and taught REFL in four Libyan research sites. The Libyan EFL educational system is influenced by two main factors: the method of teaching the Holy-Quran and the long-time ban on teaching EFL by the former Libyan regime under Muammar Gaddafi. Both of these factors have affected the learning and teaching of REFL and I outline these contextual factors in the first chapter of the thesis. This investigation, and the exploration of the challenges that Libyan university students encounter in their REFL, is supported by attention to reading models. These models helped to provide an analytical framework and starting point for understanding the many processes involved in reading for meaning and in reading to satisfy teacher instructions. The theoretical framework I adopted was based, mainly and initially, on top-down, bottom-up, interactive and compensatory interactive models. I drew on these models with a view to understanding whether and how the processes of reading described in the models could be applied to the reading of EFL students and whether these models could help me to better understand what was going on in REFL. The diagnosis stage of the study provided initial data collected from four Libyan research sites with research tools including video-recorded classroom observations, semi-structured interviews with teachers before and after lesson observation, and think-aloud protocols (TAPs) with 24 students (six from each university) in which I examined their REFL reading behaviours and strategies. This stage indicated that the majority of students shared behaviours such as reading aloud, reading each word in the text, articulating the phonemes and syllables of words, or skipping words if they could not pronounce them. Overall this first stage indicated that alternative methods of teaching REFL were needed in order to encourage ‘reading for meaning’ that might be based on strategies related to eventual interactive reading models adapted for REFL. The second phase of this research project was an Intervention Phase involving two team-teaching sessions in one of the four stage one universities. In each session, I worked with the teacher of one group to introduce an alternative method of REFL. This method was based on teaching different reading strategies to encourage the students to work towards an eventual interactive way of reading for meaning. A focus group discussion and TAPs followed the lessons with six students in order to discuss the 'new' method. Next were two video-recorded classroom observations which were followed by an audio-recorded discussion with the teacher about these methods. Finally, I conducted a Skype interview with the class teacher at the end of the semester to discuss any changes he had made in his teaching or had observed in his students' reading with respect to reading behaviour strategies, and reactions and performance of the students as he continued to use the 'new' method. The results of the intervention stage indicate that the teacher, perhaps not surprisingly, can play an important role in adding to students’ knowledge and confidence and in improving their REFL strategies. For example, after the intervention stage, students began to think about the title, and to use their own background knowledge to comprehend the text. The students employed, also, linguistic strategies such as decoding and, above all, the students abandoned the behaviour of reading for pronunciation in favour of reading for meaning. Despite the apparent efficacy of the alternative method, there are, inevitably, limitations related to the small-scale nature of the study and the time I had available to conduct the research. There are challenges, too, related to the students’ first language, the idiosyncrasies of the English language, the teacher training and continuing professional development of teachers, and the continuing political instability of Libya. The students’ lack of vocabulary and their difficulties with grammatical functions such as phrasal and prepositional verbs, forms which do not exist in Arabic, mean that REFL will always be challenging. Given such constraints, the ‘new’ methods I trialled and propose for adoption can only go so far in addressing students’ difficulties in REFL. Overall, the study indicates that the Libyan educational system is underdeveloped and under resourced with respect to REFL. My data indicates that the teacher participants have received little to no professional developmental that could help them improve their teaching in REFL and skills in teaching EFL. These circumstances, along with the perennial problem of large but varying class sizes; student, teacher and assessment expectations; and limited and often poor quality resources, affect the way EFL students learn to read in English. Against this background, the thesis concludes by offering tentative conclusions; reflections on the study, including a discussion of its limitations, and possible recommendations designed to improve REFL learning and teaching in Libyan universities.

Teaching-learning process and teaching methodology in Portuguese for the deaf under the perspective of inclusive education

For years, the discrepancies faced by deaf students in the teaching of the Portuguese language were due to the lack of hearing. Recently, these failures have been attributed to the use of inadequate teaching methodologies and to the lack of communication through Libras between the deaf and the hearers. This article aims at reporting a research study that analyzed the teaching-learning processes from the point of view of a deaf elementary student in Viçosa/MG. The project was primarily developed by a qualitative approach, by utilizing the bibliographical review, the participant observation and the field diary. Results showed the communicative interactions were restrained, since teachers and hearing students were not fluent in Libras, and there was no interpreter available. The methodology was mostly expositive, with a predominance of oral resources. The findings demonstrated the challenges faced by the deaf students are numerous, since the school does not offer the structure to meet their needs, and the teachers do not have the required education to work in an inclusive school environment. This article reports some methodological proposals for the teaching of Portuguese that were elaborated and applied within an inclusive context, all following PCN orientations. It reinforces the need to invest in teacher training to meet the demands of inclusive education to improve the quality of the classes offered to the deaf in regards to the teaching-learning process for Portuguese.

Graphical interface for reading and writing in teacher education

ABSTRACT From a broader project, this paper presents a synthesis of theoretical reflections and principles of basic practical procedures for teacher training, focusing on teaching and learning of reading and writing in High School in Brazil. We present a brief history of the academic production, after the redemocratization of the years 1980/90 and we comment some topics proposed by the public policies. We emphasize writing specificities as a technological instrument, decisive for reading and producing texts. Finally, we present two reading practices based on methodological procedures for the graphic treatment of texts. The goal is to put the reader in a position to understand the processes of text construction in the position of authorship. Such practices mobilize "game" senses that affect the reader in the relations of language with writing as a graphic interface and analytical instrument.   Keywords: Reading, Writing; High school.