Novice Mathematics Teachers' Professional Learning: A Multi-Case Study in Shanghai

This book explores the professional learning processes of three novice high school mathematics teachers in Shanghai,China, highlighting the challenges of adopting student-focused pedagogies in a teacher-centred and examination-oriented culture. Despite initial preferences for student-centered teaching, the teachers were influenced by their teaching environments and primarily adopted a professional learning approach to teacher-centered practices. A single teacher case with mentorship support also demonstrated the promotion of student-centered pedagogies within the constraints of dominant teaching practices.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 199 pages
Publication date: 05 May 2022
Publisher: Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden

This book delves into the professional learning journeys of three novice high school mathematics teachers in Shanghai, China, during the early stages of their careers. It explores the intricate and dynamic nature of teacher professional learning as a multifaceted system that intertwines cognitive and situated perspectives on learning theory. Encouraging mathematics teachers to adopt student-focused pedagogies poses a significant challenge, particularly in China, where prevailing practices emphasize teacher-centered, content-focused, and examination-oriented approaches.

The three novice teachers participating in this study brought diverse beliefs and knowledge acquired from their unique personal experiences to bear on their teaching practices. Nonetheless, they were profoundly influenced by the environments in which they taught, primarily adopting a professional learning approach to teacher-centered practices, despite expressing a preference for student-centered teaching approaches. Furthermore, the study observed a notable shift towards student-centered pedagogical aspects in a single teacher case with mentorship support, suggesting that student-centered pedagogies can be promoted within the confines of the prevailing dominant teaching practice.

The book sheds light on the complexities and challenges faced by novice teachers as they navigate their professional growth, emphasizing the importance of supportive environments and ongoing learning opportunities. It underscores the significance of adopting student-centered pedagogies in mathematics education to enhance student engagement, motivation, and learning outcomes. By examining the experiences of these novice teachers, the book provides valuable insights into the processes and strategies that can facilitate teacher professional learning and promote student-centered teaching practices in the context of Chinese education.

Weight: 295g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783658372354
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022