Kan Kan Chan

To prepare teachers for work in a rapidly changing, information rich and technology based society, teacher educators are looking for ways to stimulate teacher's awareness of technology and to enhance their communicative and reflective thinking. This article explores the use ...

Even though dynamic geometry software (DGS) is becoming an emergent instructional tool for mathematics teachers, many teachers are still in the process of consideration about whether to use it. In order to encourage teachers to use DGS, this study seeks to discover mathematics teachers’ salient beliefs about the use of DGS in mathematics class. The theory of planned behaviour serves as the theoretical framework for understanding teachers’ intentions to use DGS. Thirty mathematics teachers who have knowledge of and experience using DGS were invited to fill out an online survey. Content analysis of teachers’ responses was analysed using the theory of planned behaviour. The behavioural, normative and control beliefs of mathematics teachers using DGS in class were identified. These noticeable beliefs of teachers may be used to create conditions for teachers to successfully integrate this new tool in mathematics class.

Even though dynamic geometry software (DGS) is becoming an emergent instructional tool for mathematics teachers, many teachers are still in the process of consideration about whether to use it. In order to encourage teachers to use DGS, this study seeks to discover mathematics teachers’ salient beliefs about the use of DGS in mathematics class. The theory of planned behaviour serves as the theoretical framework for understanding teachers’ intentions to use DGS. Thirty mathematics teachers who have knowledge of and experience using DGS were invited to fill out an online survey. Content analysis of teachers’ responses was analysed using the theory of planned behaviour. The behavioural, normative and control beliefs of mathematics teachers using DGS in class were identified. These noticeable beliefs of teachers may be used to create conditions for teachers to successfully integrate this new tool in mathematics class.

Dynamic geometry environments (DGEs) provide computer-based environments to construct and manipulate geometric figures with great ease. Research has shown that DGEs has positive impact on student motivation, engagement, and achievement in mathematics learning. However, the adoption of DGEs by mathematics teachers varies substantially worldwide. This paper described Macau secondary schools teachers’ intention to use DGEs within the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). Using the structural equation modelling approach, results revealed that subjective norm and perceived behavioural control were significant positive predictors of intention, while attitude was not. Further, perceived behavioural control had a significant and positive influence on teachers’ attitudes, whereas subjective norm did not. Implications for theory and practice were given.

Dynamic geometry software (DGS) aims to enhance mathematics education. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the quasi-experimental studies on the effectiveness of DGS-based instruction in improving students' mathematical achievement. Research articles published between 1990 and 2013 were identified from major databases according to a prespecified search strategy and selection criteria. A meta-analysis was conducted based on the random-effects model to evaluate the effectiveness of DGS-based instruction in terms of standardized mean differences (SMD) of achievement test scores as outcome measures. Nine quasi-experimental DGS studies with 587 participants were eligible. The overall effect size of DGS-based instruction on achievement scores (i.e., SMD) was distinctive (SMD, 1.02; 95% CI: 0.56-1.48) compared to traditional instruction. Subgroup analysis found some groups to have better effectiveness, for example, short-term instruction with DGS significantly improved the mathematical achievement of elementary school students.

This paper supports that developing test blueprint in classroom assessments is as important as that in the standardized test so as to make appropriate and meaningful decisions. This practice should not be left out in classroom assessments. With reference to the case in Macau, an educational system emphasizes assessments. It illustrates problems of the current practice of assessment in Macau educational context. Data are based on the convenience sample which the author meets in educational evaluation classes. Even though it is found that many teachers do not have the practice of developing test blueprint in classroom assessments, many judgements are made based on such practice. This implies that the assessment literacy is in need of attention. It discusses the factors which affect teachers’ uses of test blueprint. It also provides suggestions on helping teachers to develop valid and reliable classroom assessments which are feasible to implement in practical environment without too much effort.