Toward action research as a vehicle for implementing the NCTM Standards in secondary mathematics classrooms

• Main Author: Walton, Nancy Louise
• Language: English
• Published: 2009
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2429/3944

This thesis depicts a story of three teachers, one of whom is the researcher, who are trying to implement aspects of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) "Standards" through the use of a collaborative action research model. The study investigates the research question, "What themes recur when teachers use collaborative action research as a vehicle for implementing the N C T M Standards?" The teachers worked together from June, 1994 to February, 1995, meeting twice a month during the school year. Each teacher developed their own action research cycle for exploring some aspect of the Standards. In addition, this researcher documented the progress of the group. Data analysis revealed five themes which seemed to affect the feelings of success experienced by the participants. These themes are: research expertise, structure, classroom research focus, readiness and group discussions. Although these themes permeated and grew throughout the process it is important to note that their labelling and indeed recognition of their nature was not complete until this researcher analyzed data after the project action research cycle ended. This researcher recommends that government officials, universities and school administrators provide incentives for change, support for implementing change and opportunities to link with full time researchers. University action research instructors may consider providing a practical experience component to action research courses. Mathematics teachers may find it helpful to determine their "stage of readiness" in relation to the Standards before they embark on an action research project. Becoming comfortable with Standards oriented activities seems to be an important component of realizing the Standards vision in one's teaching practice.