Tang and colleagues received NSF award

Dr. Jiliang Tang (MSU Lead PI), MSU Foundation Professor of Computer Science and Engineering,  Dr. Ken Frank, MSU Foundation Professor of Education, and Dr. Yasemin Copur-Gencturk Associate Professor of Education (PI) from University of Sothern California have been awarded a  $4.6M NSF project entitled "Interactive, Individualized Professional Learning for Elementary School Teachers: Enhancing Content and Pedagogical Content Knowledge as a Basis for Improving Practice". 

Abstract:

This project aims to adapt and test an interactive, personalized computer-based program for elementary school mathematics teachers to enhance both their content (CK) and pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) of numbers and operations, a key concept in the elementary school mathematics curriculum. It will adapt a program proven to be effective in enhancing middle school mathematics teachers’ CK and PCK, instruction, and student learning to investigate whether this adapted program can be effective in improving elementary school teachers’ CK and PCK of numbers and operations. A prototype of the proposed program was developed with funds from the Institute of Education Sciences to enhance middle school mathematics teachers’ CK and PCK of ratios and proportional relationships. The impact of the program was investigated by conducting a randomized controlled trial with 54 middle school mathematics teachers across the nation. The program had a positive impact on teachers’ selection of cognitively demanding math tasks and providing conceptually coherent instruction, as well as on students’ learning of ratios and proportional relationships. 

(Date Posted: 2024-08-14)