- MERGA

Classroom and Learning Factors Preferred by Year 9 Students in the Teaching and Learning of Mathematics
Barbara TadichThis report describes a recent case study research which provides evidence that student learning, and student achievement can be accomplished by teachers working with a greater knowledge of student development. The key elements investigated in the study include both classroom and learning features. In particular an understanding of Kohlberg’s (1963, 1973) stages of moral development is addressed. Giddens’ (1984) concepts of the reflective cycle and its ability to lead to empowered action and to the uncovering of the range of choices (for the students and teacher) to act, or not to act, to make a difference to events is included. The data collected via personal observations, students’ perceptions and voice, emphasized that an understanding of Kohlberg’s and Giddens’ work can add new dimensions to the middle years of schooling debate regarding adolescent teaching and learning. An understanding of young adolescents, especially in Year 9, requires greater knowledge of developmental and learning theories with a holistic approach to teaching and learning.

Reviewing of research papers

Research papers will be blind reviewed by a panel of peers approved by the conference committee. The main purpose of the refereeing process is to contribute to the growth and development of quality practice in mathematics education research. Thus reviewers are asked to assist authors by providing helpful feedback and to comment on the suitability of papers for presentation at the conference. Accordingly, it will not be assumed that published papers presented at the conference will be as polished as articles in scholarly journals. Referees will be asked to assess papers being reviewed against the accepted norms for scholarly works presented at MERGA conferences, as set out above.

Each conference proceedings’ Editorial Team will exercise discretion over the reviewing process.

Reviewers’ comments will be returned to the authors. Authors whose papers are not accepted for publication may be invited by the editorial panel to present their paper at the conference, with an abstract (only) being published in the proceedings. Papers may be rejected outright, with no opportunity for presentation at the conference in an alternative form.

The MERGA website has detailed advice about criteria for reviewing of MERGA papers, review forms, and examples of strong and poor reviews of different types.

Short Communications

Presentation of short communications

Beth Southwell Practical Implications Award

Recent Winners

Applying for entry into the BSPIA

Judging of the BSPIA

History of the Award

Research Papers

Research papers can take two major forms:

i. Empirical investigations

ii. Theoretical or position papers

Originality

Reviewing of research papers

Presentation of research papers

Research Symposia

Early Career Research Award

Recent Winners

Applying for the Award

Early Bird Review Process