Authentic Integration: A model for integrating mathematics and science in the classroom

Páraic Treacy, John O'Donoghue

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    Attempts at integrating mathematics and science have been made previously but no definitive, widely adopted teaching model has been developed to date. Research suggests that hands-on, practical, student-centred tasks should form a central element when designing an effective model for the integration of mathematics and science. Aided by this research, the author created a new model entitled 'Authentic Integration' which caters for the specific needs of integration of mathematics and science. This model requires that each lesson be based around a rich task which relates to the real world and ensures that hands-on group work, inquiry, and discussion are central to the lesson. It was found that Authentic Integration, when applied in four Irish post-primary schools, positively affected pupil understanding. The teachers who completed the intervention displayed a very positive attitude towards the approach, intimating that they would continue to implement the practice in their classrooms.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)703-718
    Number of pages16
    JournalInternational Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology
    Volume45
    Issue number5
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 19 Dec 2013

    Keywords

    • applications
    • integration of mathematics and science
    • rich tasks

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