Using online discussion forums for the professional development of mathematics teachers

Abstract

We present a study of a model for professional development of mathematics teachers, based on their participation in a collaborative problem solving in online discussion forums, in two roles. At the first stage of the study, 47 high-school mathematics teachers participated in the forums as students. At the second stage, they mediated forums as mentors. The first stage of the study showed gradual development of group synergy among the teachers-as-students. The second stage showed that the experience of group synergy gained by the teachers at the first stage has supported the development of their mathematical fluency in teaching.