Self-Directed Teacher Learning in Secondary School Mathematics Using the Interconnected Model of Professional Growth

Gregory Peyton Stephens, Fordham University

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the process through which high school mathematics teachers direct their own learning and professional growth. Improving our understanding of the process of self-directed learning has significance in the field of mathematics education due to the degree to which the Common Core State Standards movement has changed classroom content and instructional culture. This study followed a group of high school teachers as they worked on improving their pedagogy and adapting to changes in curriculum and to the practice of mathematics in the classroom. The interconnection model of professional growth was used as the framework for the study. This model captures the iterative process of learning over time through the categorization of change into external and internal domains, a domain of practice, and a domain of consequence. The results of the study confirm the utility of the model in capturing the growth process and adds the observation that much of the exchange of ideas is taking place during professional conversations. The study includes recommendations for how school leaders can promote growth and suggestions for further research to determine which growth strategies are optimal.

Subject Area

Mathematics education|Educational leadership|Teacher education|Secondary education

Recommended Citation

Stephens, Gregory Peyton, "Self-Directed Teacher Learning in Secondary School Mathematics Using the Interconnected Model of Professional Growth" (2018). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI10828476.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI10828476

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