MERGA has a strong tradition of sharing current research and ideas from its annual conference to a wider audience, through publication of the proceedings. A complete .pdf of the conference proceedings is made available on this website at the time of the annual conference, for use by delegates. Following the conference, individual papers will also be uploaded to this website to facilitate effective location of specific material. Papers undergo a moderate blind peer review process. The following provides a full list of the conference proceedings and papers for the Annual MERGA conference.

2002 MERGA Conference Proceedings

Content

Missing from Table of Contents

 Missing from Table of Contents

Keynote Address

 Working Together to Enhance Australian Aboriginal Students’ Mathematics Learning

Susan Matthews, Peter Howard, Bob Perry  Working Together to Enhance Australian Aboriginal Students’ Mathematics Learning

 The TIMSS 1999 Video Study and its Relevance to Australian Mathematics Education Research, Innovation, Networking, and Opportunities

Hilary Hollingsworth  The TIMSS 1999 Video Study and its Relevance to Australian Mathematics Education Research, Innovation, Networking, and Opportunities

 Opportunities to Learn Mathematics

Anne Watson  Opportunities to Learn Mathematics

 What Does it Mean to Teach Mathematics Differently?

Terry Wood  What Does it Mean to Teach Mathematics Differently?

 The Process of Introducing New Tasks Using Dynamic Geometry Into the Teaching of Mathematics

Colette Laborde  The Process of Introducing New Tasks Using Dynamic Geometry Into the Teaching of Mathematics

 Seeking Interventions to Improve Adult Numeracy Instruction in the United States: Hybrids Only Need Apply

Mary J ane Schmitt  Seeking Interventions to Improve Adult Numeracy Instruction in the United States: Hybrids Only Need Apply

 Making a Difference: The Early Numeracy Project

Gill Thomas, AndrewTagg & Jenny Ward  Making a Difference: The Early Numeracy Project

A Samoan Perspective on Pacific Mathematics Education Karoline Afamasaga-Fuata’ix

Karoline Afamasaga-Fuata’i  A Samoan Perspective on Pacific Mathematics Education

Practical Implication Award

 Supporting Beginning Primary Mathematics Teachers through a ‘Fellow Worker’ Professional Development Model

Len Sparrow & Sandra Frid  Supporting Beginning Primary Mathematics Teachers through a ‘Fellow Worker’ Professional Development Model

Research Paper

 Validation Of The New Zealand Number Framework

Jenny Young-Loveridge & Vince Wright  Validation Of The New Zealand Number Framework

 Boys’ Motivational Goals In Mathematics During The Transition From Single Sex Education To Co-Education

Shirley M. Yates  Boys’ Motivational Goals In Mathematics During The Transition From Single Sex Education To Co-Education

 Spatial Reconstructions From Primary Children’s Drawings

Bernd Wollring  Spatial Reconstructions From Primary Children’s Drawings

 Research Into Teacher Beliefs: Can The Past Stop Endless Repetition?

Allan Leslie White  Research Into Teacher Beliefs: Can The Past Stop Endless Repetition?

 Variation As Part Of Chance And Data In Grades 7 And 9

Jane M. Watson & Ben A. Kelly  Variation As Part Of Chance And Data In Grades 7 And 9

 Arithmetic And Quasi-Variables: A Year 2 Lesson To Introduce Algebra In The Early Years

Elizabeth Warren & Tom Cooper  Arithmetic And Quasi-Variables: A Year 2 Lesson To Introduce Algebra In The Early Years

 Preservice Work Within Schools: Teaching Knowledge In Production

Margaret Walshaw  Preservice Work Within Schools: Teaching Knowledge In Production

 Professional Development Of Teachers Of Mathematics Through Extended Collegial Dialogue: The ACT Mathematics Quality Teacher Program

Steve Thornton & Kerrie Blain  Professional Development Of Teachers Of Mathematics Through Extended Collegial Dialogue: The ACT Mathematics Quality Teacher Program

 Contexts In Mathematics Teaching: Snakes Or Ladders?

Peter Sullivan, Robyn Zevenbergen & Judith Mousley  Contexts In Mathematics Teaching: Snakes Or Ladders?

 Exploring Teachers’ Knowledge For Teaching Mathematics

Peter Sullivan, Jo Virgona, Di Siemon, Maria Lasso  Exploring Teachers’ Knowledge For Teaching Mathematics

 Further Evidence Of Conceptual Difficulties With Decimal Notatio

Vicki Steinle & Kaye Stacey  Further Evidence Of Conceptual Difficulties With Decimal Notation

 Positioning The Personal In Mathematics Teacher Education Through Pedagogical Conversations

Tracey Smith  Positioning The Personal In Mathematics Teacher Education Through Pedagogical Conversations

 Reflections On The Middle Years Numeracy Research Project – Is It A Case Of Too Much Too Soon, For Too Many?

Di Siemon & Jo Virgona  Reflections On The Middle Years Numeracy Research Project – Is It A Case Of Too Much Too Soon, For Too Many?

 Investigating Textbook Presentations Of Ratio And Proportion

Mal Shield & Shelley Dole  Investigating Textbook Presentations Of Ratio And Proportion

 The Role Of Professional Development In Using Calculators In A Sample Of Queensland Primary Schools

Ian Putt & Mal McLean  The Role Of Professional Development In Using Calculators In A Sample Of Queensland Primary Schools

 Children’s Difficulties With Base-Ten Numbers: “Face-Value” And “Independent-Place” Constructs

Peter Price  Children’s Difficulties With Base-Ten Numbers: “Face-Value” And “Independent-Place” Constructs

 Student Difficulties In Abstracting Angle Concepts From Physical Activities With Concrete Materials

Anne Prescott, Michael Mitchelmore & Paul White  Student Difficulties In Abstracting Angle Concepts From Physical Activities With Concrete Materials

 Monitoring Effective Use Of Computer Algebra Systems

Robyn Pierce & Kaye Stacey  Monitoring Effective Use Of Computer Algebra Systems

 Statistical Thinking And Transnumeration

Maxine Pfannkuch, Amanda Rubick, Caroline Yoon  Statistical Thinking And Transnumeration

 Real-World Problem Solving In Small Groups: Interaction Patterns Of Third And Fourth Graders

Andrea Peter-Koop  Real-World Problem Solving In Small Groups: Interaction Patterns Of Third And Fourth Graders

 Beliefs Of Primary Teachers About Mathematics And Its Teaching And Learning: Views From Singapore, Philippines, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan And Australia

Bob Perry, Catherine Vistro-Yu, Peter Howard, Ngai-Ying Wong Fong Ho Keong  Beliefs Of Primary Teachers About Mathematics And Its Teaching And Learning: Views From Singapore, Philippines, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan And Australia

 A Systemic Program For Students Who Are Experiencing Difficulty With Mathematics As They Transition From Elementary To High School In Australia

Bob Perry & Peter Howard  A Systemic Program For Students Who Are Experiencing Difficulty With Mathematics As They Transition From Elementary To High School In Australia

 The Transition From Concrete To Abstract Decimal Fractions: Taking Stock At The Beginning Of 6th Grade In German Schools

Friedhelm Padberg  The Transition From Concrete To Abstract Decimal Fractions: Taking Stock At The Beginning Of 6th Grade In German Schools

The Role of Models and Representations in the Development of Multiplicative Thinking

Helen Norbury

 Year Seven Students’ Representation Of Numerical Data: The Influence Of Sample Size

Steven Nisbet  Year Seven Students’ Representation Of Numerical Data: The Influence Of Sample Size

 Rethinking Curriculum: An Ethical Perspective

Jim Neyland  Rethinking Curriculum: An Ethical Perspective

 Fostering Authentic, Sustained And Progressive Mathematical Knowledge-Building Activity In CSCL Communities

Rod Nason, Earl Woodruff & Richard Lesh  Fostering Authentic, Sustained And Progressive Mathematical Knowledge-Building Activity In CSCL Communities

 A Comparison Of Novice And Expert Views Of The Features Of Quality Mathematics Teaching

ludith Mousley & Georgina Herbert  A Comparison Of Novice And Expert Views Of The Features Of Quality Mathematics Teaching

 Horse Power Or Empowerment? Mathematics Curriculum For Maori – Trojan Horse Revisited

Colleen McMurchy-Pilkington (Ngati Pikiao) & Tony Trinick  Horse Power Or Empowerment? Mathematics Curriculum For Maori – Trojan Horse Revisited

 Common Errors In Mental Computation Of Students In Grades 3 – 10

Alistair McIntosh  Common Errors In Mental Computation Of Students In Grades 3 – 10

 Measurement And Its Relationship To Mathematics: Complexity Within Young Children’s Beliefs

Andrea McDonough  Measurement And Its Relationship To Mathematics: Complexity Within Young Children’s Beliefs

 Use Of Graphics Calculators In School Tests And Examinations

John Malone, Pat Forster, David Haimes, Ute Mueller  Use Of Graphics Calculators In School Tests And Examinations

 Making Connections Between Simulated And “Real” Worlds: Young Children Interpreting Computer Representations

Tom Lowrie  Making Connections Between Simulated And “Real” Worlds: Young Children Interpreting Computer Representations

 Interpreting And Constructing Models In Computer Environments: Lego Blocks And Spatial Reasoning

Tom Lowrie  Interpreting And Constructing Models In Computer Environments: Lego Blocks And Spatial Reasoning

 Characterising Secondary School Mathematics Lessons Using Teachers’ Pedagogical Concept Maps

Sanka Liyanage & Michael Thomas  Characterising Secondary School Mathematics Lessons Using Teachers’ Pedagogical Concept Maps

 Differential Pathways Of Leaming: How Four Low-Achieving Undergraduate Students Used A Graphics Calculator

Martin Lindsay  Differential Pathways Of Leaming: How Four Low-Achieving Undergraduate Students Used A Graphics Calculator  

 Patterns Of Misperceptions In Linear Transformations: Four Illustrations

Martin Lamb & Sam Leong & John Malone  Patterns Of Misperceptions In Linear Transformations: Four Illustrations

 A Poststructuralist Perspective On The Productive Power Of Process In Mathematics. Education: Practical Implications For Pedagogy And Research

Mary Klein  A Poststructuralist Perspective On The Productive Power Of Process In Mathematics. Education: Practical Implications For Pedagogy And Research

 Teacher Development For Inquiry Based Instructional Practice In Mathematics: A Poststructuralist Postscript

Mary Klein  Teacher Development For Inquiry Based Instructional Practice In Mathematics: A Poststructuralist Postscript

 Pedagogical Content Knowledge Development Of Preservice Secondary Mathematics Teachers

Jamie King & Joanna Masingila  Pedagogical Content Knowledge Development Of Preservice Secondary Mathematics Teachers

 Textbooks: An Investigation Of Their Visual Attractiveness

Gillian Kidman  Textbooks: An Investigation Of Their Visual Attractiveness

 Variation In A Chance Sampling Setting: The Lollies Task

Ben A. Kelly & Jane M. Watson  Variation In A Chance Sampling Setting: The Lollies Task

 Visualising And The Move From Informal To Formal Linear Measurement

Kathryn C. Irwin & Fiona Ell  Visualising And The Move From Informal To Formal Linear Measurement

 The Role Of Structure In Children’s Development Of Multiplicative Reasoning

Joanne Mulligan  The Role Of Structure In Children’s Development Of Multiplicative Reasoning

 A Model For Teaching Numeracy Strategies

Peter Hughes  A Model For Teaching Numeracy Strategies

 Single Or Combination Grades In Mathematics In The Early Years

Marj Horne  Single Or Combination Grades In Mathematics In The Early Years

 Inaccurate Mental Addition And Subtraction: Causes And Compensation

Ann M. Heirdsfield  Inaccurate Mental Addition And Subtraction: Causes And Compensation

 One Student’s Understanding Of The Concept Of Function

Channarong Heingraj & Mal Shield  One Student’s Understanding Of The Concept Of Function

 Affective Development In Mathematics: A Case Study Of Two Preservice Primary School Teachers

Peter Grootenboer  Affective Development In Mathematics: A Case Study Of Two Preservice Primary School Teachers

 Beginning Teachers And Technology: Developing Identities As Teachers

Merrilyn Goos  Beginning Teachers And Technology: Developing Identities As Teachers

 Intervention In Mathematics: Is Assistance More Effective In Grade 1 Or Grade 2?

Ann Gervasoni  Intervention In Mathematics: Is Assistance More Effective In Grade 1 Or Grade 2?

 Matching The Hatch – Students’ Choices And Preferences In Relation To Handheld Technologies And Learning Mathematics

Vince Geiger, Merrilyn Goos, Peter Galbraith & Peter Renshaw  Matching The Hatch – Students’ Choices And Preferences In Relation To Handheld Technologies And Learning Mathematics

 Convergence Or Divergence? Students, Maple, And Mathematics Learning

Peter Galbraith & Mike Pemberton  Convergence Or Divergence? Students, Maple, And Mathematics Learning

 The Sherpa-Student Role With A Graphics Calculator: Empowering Or Disempowering?

Pat Forster, Peter Taylor & Craig Davis  The Sherpa-Student Role With A Graphics Calculator: Empowering Or Disempowering?

 An Investigation Of Disjuncture Between Graphing In School Mathematics And School Physics

Patricia A. Forster  An Investigation Of Disjuncture Between Graphing In School Mathematics And School Physics

 Computers For Learning Mathematics: Equity Considerations

Helen J. Forgasz  Computers For Learning Mathematics: Equity Considerations

Assessing the Potential Suitability of “Show That” Questions in CAS-Pennitted Examinations

Peter Flynn & Gary Asp

 Using CSCL Methods In Secondary Mathematics

Sabita M. D’Souza & Leigh N. Wood  Using CSCL Methods In Secondary Mathematics

 Maths Anxiety Self-Assessment As A Quality Assurance Measure

Shelley Dole & Kim Beswick  Maths Anxiety Self-Assessment As A Quality Assurance Measure

 Summative And Formative Assessment: Creating A Tool For Improving Learning

Brian Doig & John Lindsey  Summative And Formative Assessment: Creating A Tool For Improving Learning

 Summing Up The Education Of Mathematically Gifted Students

Carmel Diezmann & James Watters  Summing Up The Education Of Mathematically Gifted Students

 Teacher Perspectives On Derivative

Alan Gil delos Santos & Michael Thomas  Teacher Perspectives On Derivative

 Drill, Examinations And The Learning Of Mathematics

Ken Clements  Drill, Examinations And The Learning Of Mathematics

 Year 3 Children’s Understanding Of Fractions: Are We Making Progress?

Mohan Chinnappan & Michael Lawson  Year 3 Children’s Understanding Of Fractions: Are We Making Progress?

 A Problem-Based Schema Analysis In Algebra

Mohan Chinnappan  A Problem-Based Schema Analysis In Algebra

 Evaluating Pre-Service Teachers’ Understanding Of Middle School Mathematics

Helen Chick  Evaluating Pre-Service Teachers’ Understanding Of Middle School Mathematics

 Secondary Teachers’ Attitudes Toward Probability And Their Teaching Strategies

Lynn Carlson & Helen Doerr  Secondary Teachers’ Attitudes Toward Probability And Their Teaching Strategies

 Exploring Mental Computation In The Middle Years

Annaliese Caney  Exploring Mental Computation In The Middle Years

 Mental Computation Competence Across Years 3 To 10

Rosemary Callingham & Alistair McIntosh  Mental Computation Competence Across Years 3 To 10

 Curriculum and the Reality of Primary Teachers

Fred Biddulph, Ngarewa Hawera, Merilyn Taylor & Judy Bailey  Curriculum and the Reality of Primary Teachers

 Teacher Beliefs: Probing the Complexities

Kim Beswick  Teacher Beliefs: Probing the Complexities

Development of Understanding of Place Value

Jeanette Bennan

 Rethinking Curriculum: A Developer’s Perspective

Andy Begg  Rethinking Curriculum: A Developer’s Perspective

 Secondary Mathematics Teachers’ Beliefs About Teaching and Learning: Some Significant Factors

A. N. Barkatsas & J. A. Malone  Secondary Mathematics Teachers’ Beliefs About Teaching and Learning: Some Significant Factors

 Effectiveness and Efficiency of Calculator Use for Computation in Years 8-10

Jack Bana & Rachel Shipley  Effectiveness and Efficiency of Calculator Use for Computation in Years 8-10

 Some Problematics in International Collaboration in Mathematics Education

Bill Atweh & Phil Clarkson  Some Problematics in International Collaboration in Mathematics Education

 Swaps and Switches: Students’ Understandings of Commutativity

Glenda Anthony & Margaret Walshaw  Swaps and Switches: Students’ Understandings of Commutativity

 The Mathematics Enhancement Project: The Pilot Phase

Wilfredo Alangui, Jerry Lane, Jessie Autagavaia, Bill Barton, Judy Paterson, Albert Poleki, Barbara Kensington-Miller, Arnold Van Den Reuvel  The Mathematics Enhancement Project: The Pilot Phase

Short Communication (abstract only)

Short Communications

 Short Communications

Conference Proceedings 2002

Title
 
Content
 Missing from Table of Contents
 
Preface
 
List of Reviewers
 
Keynote Address
 A Samoan Perspective on Pacific Mathematics Education
Karoline Afamasaga-Fuata’i
 Making a Difference: The Early Numeracy Project
Gill Thomas, AndrewTagg & Jenny Ward
 Seeking Interventions to Improve Adult Numeracy Instruction in the United States: Hybrids Only Need Apply
Mary J ane Schmitt
 The Process of Introducing New Tasks Using Dynamic Geometry Into the Teaching of Mathematics
Colette Laborde
 What Does it Mean to Teach Mathematics Differently?
Terry Wood
 
Practical Implication Award
 Supporting Beginning Primary Mathematics Teachers through a ‘Fellow Worker’ Professional Development Model
Len Sparrow & Sandra Frid
 
Symposium
 
Research Paper
 The Mathematics Enhancement Project: The Pilot Phase
Wilfredo Alangui, Jerry Lane, Jessie Autagavaia, Bill Barton, Judy Paterson, Albert Poleki, Barbara Kensington-Miller, Arnold Van Den Reuvel
 Swaps and Switches: Students’ Understandings of Commutativity
Glenda Anthony & Margaret Walshaw
 Some Problematics in International Collaboration in Mathematics Education
Bill Atweh & Phil Clarkson
 Effectiveness and Efficiency of Calculator Use for Computation in Years 8-10
Jack Bana & Rachel Shipley
 Secondary Mathematics Teachers’ Beliefs About Teaching and Learning: Some Significant Factors
A. N. Barkatsas & J. A. Malone
 Rethinking Curriculum: A Developer’s Perspective
Andy Begg
Development of Understanding of Place Value
Jeanette Bennan
 Teacher Beliefs: Probing the Complexities
Kim Beswick
 Curriculum and the Reality of Primary Teachers
Fred Biddulph, Ngarewa Hawera, Merilyn Taylor & Judy Bailey
 Mental Computation Competence Across Years 3 to 10
Rosemary Callingham & Alistair McIntosh
 Exploring Mental Computation in the Middle Years
Annaliese Caney
 Secondary Teachers’ Attitudes toward Probability and their Teaching Strategies
Lynn Carlson & Helen Doerr
 Evaluating Pre-service Teachers’ Understanding of Middle School Mathematics
Helen Chick
 A Problem-Based Schema Analysis in Algebra
Mohan Chinnappan
 Year 3 Children’s Understanding of Fractions: Are we Making Progress?
Mohan Chinnappan & Michael Lawson
 Drill, Examinations and the Learning of Mathematics
Ken Clements
 Teacher Perspectives on Derivative
Alan Gil delos Santos & Michael Thomas
 Summing up the Education of Mathematically Gifted Students
Carmel Diezmann & James Watters
 Summative and Formative Assessment: Creating a Tool for Improving Learning
Brian Doig & John Lindsey
 Maths Anxiety Self-assessment as a Quality Assurance Measure
Shelley Dole & Kim Beswick
 Using CSCL Methods in Secondary Mathematics
Sabita M. D’Souza & Leigh N. Wood
Assessing the Potential Suitability of “Show That” Questions in CAS-Pennitted Examinations
Peter Flynn & Gary Asp
 Computers For Learning Mathematics: Equity Considerations
Helen J. Forgasz
 An Investigation of Disjuncture between Graphing in School Mathematics and School Physics
Patricia A. Forster
 The Sherpa-Student Role with a Graphics Calculator: Empowering or Disempowering?
Pat Forster, Peter Taylor & Craig Davis
 Convergence or Divergence? Students, Maple, and Mathematics Learning
Peter Galbraith & Mike Pemberton
 Matching the Hatch – Students’ Choices and Preferences in Relation to Handheld Technologies and Learning Mathematics
Vince Geiger, Merrilyn Goos, Peter Galbraith & Peter Renshaw
 Intervention in Mathematics: Is Assistance More Effective in Grade 1 or Grade 2?
Ann Gervasoni
 Beginning Teachers and Technology: Developing Identities as Teachers
Merrilyn Goos
 Affective Development in Mathematics: A Case Study of Two Preservice Primary School Teachers
Peter Grootenboer
 One Student’s Understanding of the Concept of Function
Channarong Heingraj & Mal Shield
 Inaccurate Mental Addition and Subtraction: Causes and Compensation
Ann M. Heirdsfield
 Single or Combination Grades in Mathematics in the Early Years
Marj Horne
 A Model for Teaching Numeracy Strategies
Peter Hughes
 The Role of Structure in Children’s Development of Multiplicative Reasoning
Joanne Mulligan
 Visualising and the Move from Informal to Formal Linear Measurement
Kathryn C. Irwin & Fiona Ell
 Variation in a Chance Sampling Setting: The Lollies Task
Ben A. Kelly & Jane M. Watson
 Textbooks: An Investigation of their Visual Attractiveness
Gillian Kidman
 Pedagogical Content Knowledge Development of Preservice Secondary Mathematics Teachers
Jamie King & Joanna Masingila
 Teacher Development for Inquiry Based Instructional Practice in Mathematics: A Poststructuralist Postscript
Mary Klein
 A Poststructuralist Perspective on the Productive Power of Process in Mathematics. Education: Practical Implications for Pedagogy and Research
Mary Klein
 Patterns of Misperceptions in Linear Transformations: Four Illustrations
Martin Lamb & Sam Leong & John Malone
 Differential Pathways of Leaming: How Four Low-Achieving Undergraduate Students used a Graphics Calculator
Martin Lindsay
 Characterising Secondary School Mathematics Lessons Using Teachers’ Pedagogical Concept Maps
Sanka Liyanage & Michael Thomas
 Interpreting and Constructing Models in Computer Environments: Lego Blocks and Spatial Reasoning
Tom Lowrie
 Making Connections Between Simulated and “Real” Worlds: Young Children Interpreting Computer Representations
Tom Lowrie
 Use of Graphics Calculators in School Tests and Examinations
John Malone, Pat Forster, David Haimes, Ute Mueller
 Measurement and its Relationship to Mathematics: Complexity within Young Children’s Beliefs
Andrea McDonough
 Common Errors in Mental Computation of Students in Grades 3 – 10
Alistair McIntosh
 Horse Power or Empowerment? Mathematics Curriculum for Maori – Trojan Horse Revisited
Colleen McMurchy-Pilkington (Ngati Pikiao) & Tony Trinick
Aspects of Written Performance in Mathematics Learning
Tamsin Meaney
 A Comparison of Novice and Expert Views of the Features of Quality Mathematics Teaching
ludith Mousley & Georgina Herbert
 Fostering Authentic, Sustained and Progressive Mathematical Knowledge-Building Activity in CSCL Communities
Rod Nason, Earl Woodruff & Richard Lesh
 Rethinking Curriculum: An Ethical Perspective
Jim Neyland
 Year Seven Students’ Representation of Numerical Data: The Influence of Sample Size
Steven Nisbet
The Role of Models and Representations in the Development of Multiplicative Thinking
Helen Norbury
 The Transition From Concrete to Abstract Decimal Fractions: Taking Stock at the Beginning of 6th Grade in German Schools
Friedhelm Padberg
 A Systemic Program for Students Who Are Experiencing Difficulty with Mathematics as They Transition from Elementary to High School in Australia
Bob Perry & Peter Howard
 Beliefs of Primary Teachers about Mathematics and its Teaching and Learning: Views from Singapore, Philippines, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Australia
Bob Perry, Catherine Vistro-Yu, Peter Howard, Ngai-Ying Wong Fong Ho Keong
 Real-world Problem Solving in Small Groups: Interaction Patterns of Third and Fourth Graders
Andrea Peter-Koop
 Statistical Thinking and Transnumeration
Maxine Pfannkuch, Amanda Rubick, Caroline Yoon
 Monitoring Effective Use of Computer Algebra Systems
Robyn Pierce & Kaye Stacey
 Student Difficulties in Abstracting Angle Concepts From Physical Activities with Concrete Materials
Anne Prescott, Michael Mitchelmore & Paul White
 Children’s Difficulties With Base-Ten Numbers: “Face-Value” and “Independent-Place” Constructs
Peter Price
 The Role of Professional Development in Using Calculators in a Sample of Queensland Primary Schools
Ian Putt & Mal McLean
 Investigating Textbook Presentations of Ratio and Proportion
Mal Shield & Shelley Dole
 Reflections on the Middle Years Numeracy Research Project – Is It a Case of Too Much Too Soon, For Too Many?
Di Siemon & Jo Virgona
 Positioning the Personal in Mathematics Teacher Education Through Pedagogical Conversations
Tracey Smith
 Further Evidence of Conceptual Difficulties with Decimal Notation
Vicki Steinle & Kaye Stacey
 Exploring Teachers’ Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics
Peter Sullivan, Jo Virgona, Di Siemon, Maria Lasso
 Contexts in Mathematics Teaching: Snakes or Ladders?
Peter Sullivan, Robyn Zevenbergen & Judith Mousley
 Professional Development of Teachers of Mathematics Through Extended Collegial Dialogue: The ACT Mathematics Quality Teacher Program
Steve Thornton & Kerrie Blain
 Preservice Work Within Schools: Teaching Knowledge in Production
Margaret Walshaw
 Arithmetic and Quasi-variables: A Year 2 Lesson to Introduce Algebra in the Early Years
Elizabeth Warren & Tom Cooper
 Variation as Part of Chance and Data in Grades 7 and 9
Jane M. Watson & Ben A. Kelly
 Research into Teacher Beliefs: Can the Past Stop Endless Repetition?
Allan Leslie White
Identifying Tasks that Promote Creative Thinking in Mathematics: A Tool
Gaye Williams
 Spatial Reconstructions from Primary Children’s Drawings
Bernd Wollring
 Boys’ Motivational Goals in Mathematics During the Transition from Single Sex Education to Co-Education
Shirley M. Yates
 Validation of the New Zealand Number Framework
Jenny Young-Loveridge & Vince Wright
 
Short Communication (abstract only)
 Short communications
 
Poster (abstract only)
 
Round Table (abstract only)

Short Communications & Round Tables

The following documents are essential to read and complete when considering submitting a short communication or round table to the MERGA conference (available in the Submission section of this website).

  • MERGA Paper Template – to be used to write the abstracts which are then submitted to the MERGA conference website
  • MERGA Publication Agreement – to be submitted on the MERGA conference website at the time of the abstract submission

Submissions not exceeding one page are required for short communications and round tables. The submissions must be prepared using the conference template, and can include essential references. They will be reviewed by the Editorial Team and, if accepted, will be published in the conference proceedings as one-page abstracts (not as papers). Presenters are invited to prepare a paper for distribution at the conference, but these papers will not be included in the proceedings.

Short communications are suitable for reports on research in mathematics education that do not fully meet the requirements for published papers. These might include works in preliminary stages, reports of pilot projects, initial reviews of literature, ideas or suggestions for future study, and briefer discussions of particular issues. Short communications allow new researchers to obtain feedback on projects in a constructive and supportive environment, and foster the building of links between researchers with similar interests.

Short communications are presented by author(s) only, allocated half of the time for research reports (in past, this was 20 minutes). At least 5 minutes is to be allocated for audience questions and open discussion.

Round tables are suitable for presenters seeking involved interaction with the audience in relation to their research or topic of interest in mathematics education, and for those sharing their insights and advice with the early career colleagues. These might include discussion of an emerging topic, co-analysis of provided student work, solving a mathematical task, or discussing the demands and benefits of reviewing for high quality journals. Round tables allow finding peers with similar research interests, exploration of new research avenues, and building the capacity of MERGA community.

Round tables are led by author(s) only, allocated the same time as research reports (in past, this was 40 minutes). The abstracts should make clear the interactive element of the proposed activity, with no more than 15 min of the session time in a presentation mode.

Beth Southwell Practical Implications Award

The Beth Southwell Practical Implications Award (BSPIA) recognises high-quality mathematics education that produces insights for the teaching profession and/or student learning.

The award consists of $500 and a plaque to be presented at the Conference.

Nomination process 

There are two ways a paper can be nominated for the BSPIA:

  • Self-nomination: When you submit your conference paper, check the box that asks if you would like to apply for the BSPIA.
  • Nomination via peer-review: Anyone who submits a Conference paper for peer-review will be considered for nomination by the reviewers. 

Single and co-authored papers are eligible for consideration.

When you write your paper, please ensure that you observe all general paper submission requirements including the maximum page length.

Judging process

Submissions must be deemed eligible for publication in the Conference proceedings by the initial reviewing panel. Submissions accepted for presentation only will be excluded from consideration.

The judging panel will consist of two MERGA members and two AAMT nominees and will be chaired by the VP Development.

The judging criteria are:

  • Identification of a persistent and significant research problem
  • Synthesis of recent research literature and relevant policy initiatives
  • Robust methodology producing valid, reliable findings
  • Insightful discussion of practical implications for the teaching profession and/or student learning
  • Clear, succinct style of academic writing

Winners are notified four weeks prior to the Conference and are invited to present a keynote at the annual conference.

The Beth Southwell Practical Implications Award page on this website provides further information, including the history of the award and recent winners.  

Research Papers

The following documents are essential to read and complete when considering submitting a research paper to the MERGA conference (available in the Submission section of this website).

  • MERGA Paper Template – to be used to write the papers which are then submitted to the MERGA conference website
  • MERGA Publication Agreement – to be submitted on the MERGA conference website at the time of the paper submission

Research papers can take two major forms: 

1. Reports of empirical investigations 

When empirical investigations are reported (such as in an experimental intervention, confirmatory study, or action research, etc.), the paper should also include

  • a statement of rationale for methodologies used in collecting and analysing data;
  • a critical discussion of data findings in the light of the research literature; and
  • in the literature review, prior work in the area should be acknowledged and an explanation of how the work reported in the paper builds on that earlier work should be included.

2. Reports that are not based on empirical research including:

  • a theoretical discussion;
  • a position paper;
  • a report of scholarly enquiry in progress;
  • a literature review, a meta-study;
  • an account of a new initiative;
  • a reflective critique of practice; or
  • any mixture of these or other recognised scholarly forms.

When the work is a theoretical discussion, a position paper, a report of scholarly inquiry in progress, a review of literature, a theoretical study, a meta-study, an account of a new initiative, a reflective critique of practice or any mixture of these or other recognised scholarly forms, the material presented must be discussed critically, and alternative points of view relating to themes presented should be appropriately argued.
It is expected that presenting authors will have 40 minutes to present their work at the conference. At least 10 minutes must be allowed to field questions and comments from the audience.

Structure of research papers – All papers for publication in the conference proceedings should contain the following:

  • a statement of the problem/issue and a discussion of its significance;
  • a critical analysis of the research literature as it relates to the topic of the paper; and
  • conclusions and implications for mathematics education derived from the study.

All papers must respect MERGA’s ethical guidelines relating to research work. Papers should not be more than the set length. In addition, papers must be: readable; free of grammatical, spelling and typographical errors; and adhere strictly to style requirements advertised by the conference proceedings Editorial Team.

Originality – Only research papers that are substantially different from work that has been published previously will be considered for publication in the conference proceedings and/or presentation at the conference.

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 as a Short Communication, with a 1-page abstract (which they will be invited to provide) being published in the proceedings. Papers may be rejected outright, with no opportunity for presentation at the conference in an alternative form.

Research Symposia

The following documents are essential to read and complete when considering submitting a research symposium to the MERGA conference (available in the Submission section of this website).

  • MERGA Paper Template (to be used to write the papers which are then submitted to the MERGA conference website)
  • MERGA Publication Agreement (to be submitted on the MERGA conference website at the time of the paper submission)

Presentation of groups of published papers related by theme in the form of a research symposium is encouraged. The symposium forum will be particularly suitable for presentations relating to a single large project or presentations that explore topical themes from different and/or related perspectives. Special Interest Groups [SIGs] are encouraged to consider the symposium option as a means for sharing and discussing current research.

A symposium should consist of no more than four presentations of about 15 minutes duration each. The written papers should be half the length of research papers as described for research papers. Both research report types – empirical or non-empirical – are acceptable as published symposium papers.

A brief overview of the symposium (limit one page), including a symposium title, an introduction to the theme/project, and a short introduction to each of the 3-4 contributions, must be submitted with the set of short papers. Please list the symposium convenors as the authors on the first page, and name the paper authors in the text description.

The symposium proposer will also nominate a person to chair the symposium, and a discussant can also be named if desired. This information should accompany the collection of papers submitted for review.

The set of symposium papers (and the overview) will be blind reviewed by a review panel. The main purpose of the reviews is the same as for published papers, and the same criteria are used. The reviewers will be asked to consider the cohesiveness of the set of symposium papers. They will indicate whether the symposium as a whole, and each paper within it, should be “accepted”, “rejected” or if it “requires revision”. If it is deemed that one, some or all of the papers are in need of revision, the reviewers will outline which papers need to be revised and provide suggestions for the required changes. When the revisions are made, the symposium papers will be re-submitted and the set of papers will be sent to the same review panel for further consideration. As with research papers, the final decision about which symposium papers will be published is at the discretion of the Editorial Team.

The date for submission of the collection of symposium papers is the same as for Early Bird papers. This date has been set for the benefit of the group of authors of symposia papers. Should the symposium papers require revision, the authors will have the time to make the corrections and resubmit the set of symposium papers to be re-reviewed by the original reviewers.

Presentation of symposia: Symposia are presented by author(s) only, usually within a 90 min block. At least 10 minutes must be allocated for audience questions and open discussion.

Early Career Research Award

In order to encourage new researchers in mathematics education, MERGA sponsors an award to an author in the early part of her/his career. The award, for excellence in writing and presenting a piece of mathematics education research, consists of a plaque and a prize of $500 and is presented at the annual conference. 

Applying for the award

Entry for the Early Career Research Award is by submission of a written paper for presentation at the conference through the Early Bird process. Conditions of eligibility, information about the judging process, and the criteria judges will observe are indicated below. If you are applying for the Early Career Research Award, please ensure that when you upload your paper on the conference website, you also send an email to the Conference Secretariat indicating that you are an entrant for the Early Career Research Award. Note that at some MERGA conferences there is also a form to complete or a box to tick on the registration form, so check the conference website carefully. Please note that co-authored papers ARE NOT eligible for entry into the Early Career Research Award, nor are Round Table or Symposium papers.

Rules and eligibility for the Early Career Award

The Early Career Research Award page on this website provides further information about this award, including a list of recent winners.

Early Bird Review Process

The Early Bird review process is a form of mentoring, principally for new researchers. However, anyone is eligible to make use of it. Research papers submitted through the Early Bird process must be received by the Early Bird due date (i.e., the closing date in January). They must meet the requirements as set out for MERGA Research Papers. Early Bird papers should be uploaded following a link on the conference website. Authors will be asked to create a login into Oxford Abstracts (our conference management system) and submit the blinded file (anonymised) in the correct template for review.

Early Bird papers undergo a double-blind MERGA reviewing process. There are three possible outcomes of the review, and actions the authors need to follow.

  1. When the paper is accepted (for presentation at the conference and publication in the proceedings), the authors will be asked to provide their full unblinded manuscript and publication agreement.
  2. When small revisions are required, the revised papers will need to be resubmitted by the main submission deadline in March. The changes are considered by the editors, and the papers are not usually sent out for review again. The editors decide whether the paper is accepted for publication as well as presentation at the conference.
  3. When more major revisions are required, the reviewers will provide the author/s with feedback on how to how to strengthen the paper. The paper will need to be resubmitted by the main submission deadline in March, and it will be sent out for a new double-blind review.

Authors are notified of the outcome as soon as possible (usually within a few weeks, and in time for resubmission). Letters are sent to authors to indicate (a) accepted for publication, (b) small revisions required, (c) or major rewriting required.