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Scaling up of Continual Professional Development for Mathematics Problem Solving in Singapore Schools

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Abstract

The more ambitious an educational innovation, the greater the challenge in scaling up. In this paper, we focus on the scaling up of an ambitious pedagogical practice—mathematics problem solving as a regular feature in the classroom. We adopt a long-term approach to continual professional development (CPD) that began with intensive work with one school before we broadened the programme to four other schools which span the spectrum of schools in Singapore. To evaluate this overall design, we examine the current state of each school’s capacity in sustaining mathematics problem-solving instruction. In particular, we study and report findings on these areas: the readiness of teachers, the instructional materials and supporting structures. Based on the findings, we reflect on our CPD strategies and our theory of action which guided the CPD programme.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mathematics and Mathematics Education Academic Group, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Nanyang Walk, Singapore, 637616, Singapore

    Yew Hoong Leong, Tin Lam Toh, Eng Guan Tay, Khiok Seng Quek, Pee Choon Toh & Dindyal Jaguthsing

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  1. Yew Hoong Leong
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  2. Tin Lam Toh
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  3. Eng Guan Tay
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  4. Khiok Seng Quek
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  5. Pee Choon Toh
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  6. Dindyal Jaguthsing
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Correspondence to Yew Hoong Leong.

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Leong, Y.H., Toh, T.L., Tay, E.G. et al. Scaling up of Continual Professional Development for Mathematics Problem Solving in Singapore Schools. Int J of Sci and Math Educ 19, 1291–1310 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-020-10097-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-020-10097-3

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