Teaching methods employed by excellent teachers in mathematics : a case study in selected Selangor schools

Abstract

Mathematics represents logical reasoning and rational thinking which normally associated with high intelligence. If properly taught, mathematics teachers could produce students who would be able to contribute widely to the society and country as a whole. Therefore, the investigation on effective teachers who were identified as ‘excellent teachers’ is very beneficial so that their teaching methods could be examined and their practices documented. This study was conducted to investigate how ‘excellent teachers’ in the area of mathematics, teach and how they perceive effective teaching and learning ought to be. Four teachers who were awarded the ‘excellent teachers’ title were selected from three different ordinary secondary school under Petaling Perdana District Education Office, to collaborate in this study. Investigation were carried out using the data obtained from observations and interviews, as well as researchers’ journal to answer the research questions posed. The finding reveals that excellent teachers had successfully met many of the criteria of the ten principles of effective pedagogy in mathematics that was adopted as a framework to guide the research. The teachers were scored full marks on the principles such as the ethic of care and use of mathematical language. They were scored 94% in assessment for learning, 88% in Mathematical communication, and 83% for arrangement of suitable learning settings, building for students thinking and teacher knowledge, which can be considered reasonable. This imply that the theoretical framework of effective mathematics teaching pedagogy is applicable to Malaysian excellent teachers in mathematics. Teachers in this study were also found to adopt the direct teaching approach as the main teaching method and also mixed and matched different types of instruction to achieve their goals in teaching. In addition, the study discovers that the teachers were not pleased with the Excellent Teacher Scheme, as they felt burdened with the responsibilities and believed that they are not progressing and developing well enough through the system. Some of them hope that the system could be re-inspected and improved by the Ministry of Education