Teachers have greater impact when it comes to raising math scores
- 0 Comments
When it comes to learning math, teachers have a greater impact than new textbooks or computers, says a new study.
The research team from Johns Hopkins University School of Education’s Center for Data-Driven Reform in Education revealed that teachers are a key to raising math achievement in elementary school students.
Lead researchers Robert Slavin, director of the Center for Data-Driven Reform in Education at Johns Hopkins University, and Cynthia Lake, research scientist reviewed 87 studies and assessed the effectiveness of math programs in the elementary grades.
The review covered three approaches to improving math achievement – textbooks, computer-assisted instruction, and approaches emphasizing professional development in specific teaching methods, such as cooperative learning and teaching of learning skills.
They found that changing daily teaching practices did more for student achievement than simply using new textbooks or adding computers to the mix.
“The debate about mathematics reform has focused primarily on curriculum, not on professional development or instruction,” said Slavin.
“Yet the research review suggests that in terms of outcomes on math assessments, curriculum differences are less consequential than instructional differences,” he added. (ANI)
Related posts:
