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

该项目将在两个背景下对MathFINDER的传播进行探索性研究：基于大学的职前教师教育计划和基于实地的数学教师在职培训计划。(MathFINDER是一张光盘，介绍基于NCTM标准的数学资源和教学策略。)使用定性评估方法--问卷、访谈和观察--研究人员将提供有关从MathFINDER光盘获得的课程材料、技术创新和课程标准的作用和使用的数据。这些调查结果将为设计一项更全面的评估和利用研究提供信息，该研究将(1)在概念上将课程教材与一套改革标准联系起来，(2)建立获取支持地方改革举措的材料的结构。这项探索性研究的结果将传播给几个数学和科学教育改革网络，包括全州范围的系统倡议和城市系统倡议项目。研究人员希望在这项研究中初步识别和描述促进或抑制改革背景变化的因素，作为进一步研究的先导。

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.