Tools for Reform: A Preliminary Study of the MathFINDER CD-ROM

该项目将是对MathFINDER在两种情况下传播的探索性研究：以大学为基础的职前教师教育计划和以实地为基础的数学教师在职教师培训计划。（MathFINDER是一个基于NCTM标准的数学资源和教学策略的CD-ROM光盘。）通过问卷调查、访谈和观察等定性评估方法，研究人员将提供从MathFINDER光盘中获得的有关课程材料、技术创新和课程标准的作用和使用的数据。调查结果应该为更全面的评估和利用研究的设计提供信息和指导，该研究应(1)在概念上将课程材料与一套改革标准联系起来，以及(2)构建材料的获取途径，以支持地方改革举措。探索性研究的结果将传播到几个数学和科学教育改革网络，包括全州系统倡议和城市系统倡议项目。研究人员希望在本研究中初步确定和描述促进或抑制改革环境变化的因素，作为进一步研究的先驱。

This project will be an exploratory study of the dissemination of MathFINDER in two settings: a university-based preservice teacher education program and a field-based inservice teacher training program for mathematics teachers. (MathFINDER is a CD-ROM disc which presents mathematics resources and teaching strategies based on NCTM standards.) Using qualitative evaluation methods--questionnaires, interviews and observations--the researchers will provide data about the role and use of curriculum materials, technological innovations, and curricular standards that have been acquired from the MathFINDER disc. The findings should inform and shape the design of a more comprehensive evaluation and utilization study that (1) conceptually links curriculum materials to a set of reform standards, and (2) structures access to the materials that will support local reform initiatives. The findings of the exploratory study will be disseminated to several mathematics and science education reform networks, including the Statewide Systemic Initiative and Urban System Initiative projects. The researchers expect to tentatively identify and describe the factors that facilitate or inhibit change in reform settings in this study as a precursor for further study.