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Developing teacher content understanding by integrating pH and logarithms concepts
Author(s) -
Glassmeyer David,
Smith Andrew,
Gardner Kimberly
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
school science and mathematics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.135
H-Index - 2
eISSN - 1949-8594
pISSN - 0036-6803
DOI - 10.1111/ssm.12394
Subject(s) - mathematics education , logarithm , context (archaeology) , professional development , teacher education , science education , pedagogy , mathematics , psychology , biology , mathematical analysis , paleontology
Logarithms are notorious for being a difficult concept to understand and teach. Research suggests that learners can be supported in understanding logarithms by making connections between mathematics and science concepts such as pH. This study investigated how an integrated chemistry and mathematics lesson impacted 29 teachers’ understanding of the logarithmic relationship and pH. Pre‐ and post‐test data indicated 23 teachers improved their understanding of logarithms and 28 improved their understanding of pH, suggesting that teacher educators in both science and mathematics context can use this approach to foster better understanding with their teachers and ultimately school students. Our analysis also identified professional development components and teacher characteristics associated with gains in understanding of pH and logarithms, which mathematics and science teacher educators can use to strategically adapt and implement the lesson within other teacher education settings.