Teaching mathematics to children with emotional and behavioural difficulties : the development of practice as a personal journey

Children with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD) are often characterised as 'challenging' and 'unteachable'. The purpose of this thesis is to demonstrate how one teacher's personal enquiry into her practice reveals an alternative perspective on teaching mathematics...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Hogan, Susan Elizabeth
Published: Open University 2003
Subjects:
371
Online Access:http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.288562
Description
Summary:Children with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD) are often characterised as 'challenging' and 'unteachable'. The purpose of this thesis is to demonstrate how one teacher's personal enquiry into her practice reveals an alternative perspective on teaching mathematics to children with EBD. If it is accepted that the mathematics classroom is challenging to the child then the role of the mathematics teacher becomes one of developing a trusting relationship with the child based on the teacher's use of empathy and 'being there'. It is important for the mathematics teacher to take risks in using mathematics to overcome the emotional and behavioural difficulties of the child. The message is that researching one's own practice is a valuable exercise for any practitioner.