Doing the Math Together

The Research
The Doing the Math Together initiative is grounded in extensive research that emphasizes the transformative power of coaching, collaborative professional development, and innovative pedagogical practices in mathematics education. Below are the key findings that informed this project:

Mathematics Coaching as a Catalyst for Teacher Growth
Research highlights the critical role of mathematics coaches in enhancing teacher confidence and competencies. Coaches create supportive environments for professional growth by providing individualized feedback, facilitating collaborative learning, and modeling effective instructional practices (Aygün & Işıksal-Bostan, 2019; Stein et al., 2022). These practices have shown significant improvements in teachers' pedagogical approaches and student outcomes.

Collaborative Professional Development
Collaborative learning environments, such as communities of practice and peer coaching, are essential for fostering teacher confidence and competence. These environments encourage shared learning, reflective dialogue, and collective problem-solving, which are pivotal for improving teaching practices and building a culture of continuous professional growth (Gibbons et al., 2017; Jao, 2013).

Active Learning and Mathematical Modeling
Integrating active learning approaches, such as model-eliciting activities (MEAs), enhances mathematics instruction by connecting mathematical concepts to real-world applications. MEAs foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and student engagement, making mathematics more accessible and relevant (Baker & Galanti, 2017; Turner et al., 2022).

Addressing Teacher Self-Efficacy and Math Anxiety
Professional development tailored to teachers' needs significantly boosts their confidence in teaching mathematics while reducing math anxiety. Incorporating reflective practices, technological tools, and peer support strengthens teacher self-efficacy, enabling them to deliver more impactful lessons (Campbell & Malkus, 2011; Katz & Stupel, 2016).
References
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Aygün, B., & Işıksal-Bostan, M. (2019). Mathematics coaching in elementary education. İlköğretim Online, 52–77. https://doi.org/10.17051/ilkonline.2019.527153
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Baker, C. K., & Galanti, T. M. (2017). Integrating STEM in elementary classrooms using model-eliciting activities. International Journal of STEM Education, 4(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-017-0066-3
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Gibbons, L. K., Kazemi, E., & Lewis, R. M. (2017). Developing collective capacity to improve mathematics instruction. The Journal of Mathematical Behavior, 46, 231–250. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmathb.2016.12.002
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Jao, L. (2013). Peer coaching as a model for professional development in elementary mathematics. Policy Futures in Education, 11(3), 290–298. https://doi.org/10.2304/pfie.2013.11.3.290
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Katz, S., & Stupel, M. (2016). Enhancing elementary-school mathematics teachers’ efficacy beliefs. International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, 47(3), 421–439. https://doi.org/10.1080/0020739X.2015.1080314
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Stein, M. K., Russell, J. L., Bill, V., Correnti, R., & Speranzo, L. (2022). Coach learning to help teachers enact conceptually rich, student-focused mathematics lessons. Journal of Mathematics Teacher Education, 25(3), 321–346. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10857-021-09492-6
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Turner, E. E., Granillo, M., Ponnuru, N., et al. (2022). Authenticity of elementary teacher-designed mathematical modeling tasks. Mathematical Thinking and Learning. https://doi.org/10.1080/10986065.2022.2028225