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Second International Handbook of Mathematics Education pp 523–544Cite as

Mathematics Teachers as Researchers: Living on the Edge?

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Part of the book series: Springer International Handbooks of Education ((SIHE,volume 10))

Abstract

In this chapter, contrasting views on the contributions that teachers as researchers are making to the field of mathematics education are used as a springboard to examine developments over the past decade. On the one hand, there is a growing movement for more teachers to become involved in a critical exploration of their practice through such methods as critical reflection, action research, and lesson studies. The contrasting position makes the claim that these activities have done little to add to the body of knowledge on mathematics education. The chapter starts by scanning the literature in mathematics education and then takes a step back and explores the broad roots and issues of the teacher-researcher movement. A particular example of teachers studying for a higher degree in teaching provides an opportunity to explore the interface between the two contrasting positions. The chapter closes with an appeal to academics in mathematics education to seek ways to listen to and engage with the informed voices of teachers.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Cape Town, UK

    Chris Breen

Authors
  1. Chris Breen
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Monash University, Australia

    Alan J. Bishop

  2. Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Brunei

    M. A. Clements

  3. Free University of Berlin, Germany

    Christine Keitel

  4. University of Georgia, Athens, USA

    Jeremy Kilpatrick

  5. The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

    Frederick K. S. Leung

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© 2003 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht

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Breen, C. (2003). Mathematics Teachers as Researchers: Living on the Edge?. In: Bishop, A.J., Clements, M.A., Keitel, C., Kilpatrick, J., Leung, F.K.S. (eds) Second International Handbook of Mathematics Education. Springer International Handbooks of Education, vol 10. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-010-0273-8_18

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-010-0273-8_18

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-010-3951-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-010-0273-8

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