Authentic Integration: a model for integrating mathematics and science in the classroom

• Autores: Páraic Treacy, John O'Donoghue
• Localización: International journal of mathematical education in science and technology, ISSN 0020-739X, Vol. 45, Nº. 5, 2014, págs. 703-718
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Attempts at integrating mathematics and science have been made previously but no definitive, widely adopted teaching model has been developed to date. Research suggests that hands-on, practical, student-centred tasks should form a central element when designing an effective model for the integration of mathematics and science. Aided by this research, the author created a new model entitled ‘Authentic Integration’ which caters for the specific needs of integration of mathematics and science. This model requires that each lesson be based around a rich task which relates to the real world and ensures that hands-on group work, inquiry, and discussion are central to the lesson. It was found that Authentic Integration, when applied in four Irish post-primary schools, positively affected pupil understanding. The teachers who completed the intervention displayed a very positive attitude towards the approach, intimating that they would continue to implement the practice in their classrooms.