The authors describe the benefit of launching mathematics lessons in ways that engage young learners. Short, meaningful introductions can motivate and focus students. Some features of interesting launches are drawn from Ben Dixon's Foundation classroom.

This study investigates the characteristics of Japanese primary school mathematics lessons that adopt a problem-solving approach. We argue that these characteristics are reflected in three key aspects: collective teaching and learning, the lesson as a "drama" (i.e., its structured flow), and the focus on mathematical knowledge. In this…

This article presents a curricular reasoning model developed based on research conducted with middle grades teachers as they planned, taught, and reflected on a geometric transformations unit. Teachers can use the model to become aware of their own curricular reasoning to make key mathematical decisions as they plan and teach their lessons. While…

Teacher questioning impacts the level of student thinking that occurs during mathematical instruction. It is important to investigate how questioning is developed in secondary mathematics methods classes so that these environments can support the development effective questioning strategies. This article explores how two preservice teachers use…

Generative artificial intelligence (AI)-powered conversation agents such as ChatGPT are increasingly being used in teacher education. Although ChatGPT can provide ample resources for lesson planning, little attention has been paid to how teacher candidates construct prompts and evaluate AI-generated outputs in real time to develop lesson plans.…

The introduction of large language models (LLMs) may change future pedagogical practices. Current research mainly focuses on the use of LLMs to tutor students, while the exploration of LLMs' potential to assist teachers is limited. Taking high school mathematics as an example, we propose a method that utilizes LLMs to enhance the quality of…

This study explores and analyzes the specific performance of large language models (LLMs) in instructional design, aiming to unveil their potential strengths and possible weaknesses. Recently, the influence of LLMs has gradually increased in multiple fields, yet exploratory research on their application in education remains relatively scarce. In…

To be successful in algebra, students need access to high-quality instruction that includes opportunities to develop their algebraic understanding. Yet research on algebra teaching suggests that instruction remains procedurally focused, indicating that teachers may need additional support to provide students such opportunities. One possible lever…

Background: Teachers must have the skills to find, select, design and use technology-based mathematical activities that focus on high-level cognitive demands--supporting student reasoning. However, they experience various difficulties in creating, planning and making decisions about how and when to utilize technological affordances. Objectives:…

This study introduces a framework for analyzing opportunities for mathematical reasoning (MR) in school mathematics, using MR-relevant claims and their derivation as the unit of analysis. We contend that this approach can effectively capture a broad range of opportunities for MR across various teaching situations. The framework, rooted in…

Sustainable education is becoming a burning concept in debates and discussions the world over. There are concerns that current systems of education are not providing for the needs of all people in a sustainable way. Many countries are taking steps to ensure a type of education that will not only sustain their citizens but will meet the challenges…

Mathematical concepts have been a consensus goal for decades, yet there is little consensus on what is meant by the terms "mathematical concept" and "mathematical understanding." This article attempts to discuss these terms in a way that can be of practical use to teachers. Greater clarity on "mathematical concept"…

Discrete time models, one linear and one non-linear, are investigated, both with a herbivore species that consumes a basal food source species. Results are presented for coexistence of the species and to illustrate chaotic behaviour as parameters are varied in the non-linear model. The results indicate the benefit of fertilization in terms of the…

It is seen that there are few studies on the role of the knowledgeable other when the literature on Lesson Study [LS] is examined. However, for LS to be better understood and applied in different cultures, the role of the knowledgeable other in LS process should be clarified. This study aimed to determine the role of the researcher as the…

This study employed a qualitative research design to investigate the utilization of soft pedagogical documents among twelve mathematics teachers in five purposively sampled public secondary schools. Data was collected through interviews and analyzed thematically. The study, rooted in social constructivism theory, discovered a mixed pattern in the…