Mathematics Education
Project RADIATE: Research And Development Initiatives Applied to Teacher Education
Directors: Tom Cooney and Pat Wilson, Mathematics Education
Project RADIATE is a three year project which was funded by the National Science Foundation to improve the preparation of prospective secondary mathematics teachers. The primary aim of the project is to upgrade both the mathematical and educational experiences of preservice secondary teachers and to provide a context in which mathematicians and mathematics educators concerned with the education of secondary mathematics teachers have a forum to discuss practical and theoretical implications of developing innovative programs. In addition to UGA, RADIATE involves five additional sites: North Georgia College, Georgia State University, University of Michigan, SUNY Buffalo, and University of Rochester. Each site is to produce materials appropriate for using in secondary teacher education programs and to conduct research in concert with the development and use.
Preservice Mathematics Teacher Preparation
At the University of Georgia site, the preservice teachers are heavily involved in school-based programs which include observations, teaching small groups of students, and teaching technologically enhanced lessons. The University received matching funds from the State which financed the establishment of a technologically enhanced classroom and 10 powerbooks that student teachers can take with them to use in the field. We feel that our students are well prepared to use technology to teach mathematics and to communicate with professors via e-mail. The major responsibilities of the UGA site are accomplished by 2 faculty members and 5 doctoral students. The first cohort of secondary students to complete the modified program will graduate in June 1995.
Summer Mathematics Education Institutes
During the summers of 1995 and 1996 project RADIATE will underwrite the cost of holding summer institutes for others concerned with educating secondary teachings. The institutes will address such topics as integrating content and pedagogy, real world applications of mathematics, using technology in the teaching of mathematics, cultural diversity, and authentic assessment. The 1995 institute will be held from July 24-July 28. We are expecting to attract mathematicians and mathematics educators from around the country.
Research
The research part of the program involves conducting case studies of the teachers as they progress through their undergraduate program and on into their first and second year of teaching. Recently the staff submitted five proposals for presentation at the annual Psychology in Mathematics Education meeting to be held next October. The papers addressed issues of the ways the teachers know mathematics, the beliefs they held about teaching and the use of technology, their views of interactive classrooms, and the struggles and tensions that emerge as they progress through the program. Two presentations will be given at the NCTM meeting in April . We expect to submit other papers as we follow these and other teachers into their first year of teaching.
Impact on Program and Service
As a result of project RADIATE we are considering ways to revise our secondary teacher education program. The project has provided a great opportunity for the professional development of graduate students in addition to the undergraduates. We have also been able to connect this project to inservice projects addressing co-reform, assessment, technology, and mathematics curricular reform in grades K-12 .
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