ROLE
Research on Learning and Education
Funded by NSF for $1.4M
A three-year project in which researchers closely follow a cohort of 60 students from Grade 6 through Grade 8 to increase understanding of the longitudinal cognitive and social processes related to young adolescents' learning of rational numbers. The research aims to uncover the mechanisms by which middle-grade adolescents develop new skills and knowledge related to rational number and proportion. The researchers will also develop insight into the ways in which classroom discourse - especially teacher questioning techniques and use of representational tools and systems - affect students' ability to think about, represent, and communicate their evolving understanding of the mathematics. Over time, the project will develop models of rational number development that can be integrated into teacher preparation and development programs. The project's work is carrying out in Machan Elementary School in Creighton School District. Beyond its theoretical significance, the ROLE project thus also has the potential to effect important practical reforms in the preparation and classroom practice of middle school mathematics teachers.
PI: Jim Middleton.
Co-PIs: Robert Atkinson, Jae-Meen Baek, Alfinio Flores, Marilyn Carlson, Roger Millsap, Marilyn Thompson.
Full grant proposal is available in PDF and DOC formats:
