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Impact of Geographical Location on Student Achievement: Unpacking the Complexity of Diversity

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Diversity in Mathematics Education

Part of the book series: Mathematics Education Library ((MELI))

Abstract

When considered in the educational sphere, diversity often refers to the classroom and the ways in which teachers cater for the variety of learning needs of their students. At this classroom level, much can be learnt from the research literature regarding the factors likely to enhance the engagement and achievement of students in mathematics. However, diversity can be conceptualized more broadly in ways that identify distinct gaps in the mathematical opportunities provided for particular groups within society. One such example is geographical location, which emerged as an issue from international comparisons of data made available by the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA). These data highlight consistent significant differences in the achievement of students in rural schools when compared to their peers in metropolitan schools for a number of countries. In this chapter, Australia is taken as a case study. Geographical diversity around mathematical achievement is explored by synthesizing the evidence currently available and outlining some of the key contributing factors. Possible ways for enhancing greater inclusivity in mathematics classrooms across location are proposed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Education, Monash University, Clayton, Australia

    Debra Panizzon

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  1. Debra Panizzon
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Correspondence to Debra Panizzon .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Education, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia

    Alan Bishop

  2. Faculty of Education, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia

    Hazel Tan

  3. School of Education, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia

    Tasos N Barkatsas

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Panizzon, D. (2015). Impact of Geographical Location on Student Achievement: Unpacking the Complexity of Diversity. In: Bishop, A., Tan, H., Barkatsas, T. (eds) Diversity in Mathematics Education. Mathematics Education Library. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-05978-5_3

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