Research Activity
Teacher Efficacy
The development of pre-service and in-service teacher efficacy: A model of professional support for
sustained mathematics reform implementation: A mixed methods study (Bruce: SSHRC)
[Activity: A three-year qualitative project focused on exploring how teacher efficacy changes over time
through the trajectory of learning to teach. The project attempts to support teachers from pre-service to
in-service with effective math teaching strategies.]
Differentiated Instruction in Intermediate Mathematics
Building Teacher Capacity and Improving Student Achievement in Grades 7-9 Mathematics (Bruce, Flynn,
Ross, Scoffin: Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic DSB, Ontario Ministry of
Education)
[Activity: A two-year mixed methods project measuring the effects of professional development on
differentiated instruction and math communication on teacher efficacy, math knowledge for teaching and
related student achievement and efficacy.]
Use of Interactive Whiteboards in Mathematics Classrooms
Building Capacity in Technology Use Through Research in Lesson Study (Bruce, Ladky, Ross, Mackenzie, Flynn,
Ontario Ministry of Education)
[Activity: A study on how teachers and students are using interactive whiteboards in their mathematics
teaching and learning in Ontario schools. Results led to the development of a framework to identify types of
interactive whiteboard use.]
Collaborative Action Research in Mathematics
Collaborative action research: Teachers learning together (Bruce, Ross, Flynn, Mackenzie, Elementary
Teachers Federation of Ontario)
[Activity: A mixed methods study that is examining how teachers engage in collaborative action research
with university researchers and content experts. The two-year study provides teachers across Ontario with
release time to engage in collaborative goal setting, planning, data collection and analysis activities.]
Use of Learning Objects to Support Fractions Understanding
The Use of CLIPS and Content Specific Professional Development: Impacts on student achievement (Ross,
Bruce, PVNCDSB, KPRDSB: Ministry of Education)
[Activity: This is an ongoing study which is examining the development, use and effects of online interactive
learning objects to support student learning about basic fractions concepts. The results are very positive
when students use the entire sequence of tasks in the CLIPS set. Research designs for this study are equally
drawing interest as we find ways to develop, field test, and revise high quality online learning materials for students.]
Increasing Teacher and Student Understanding of Patterning and Algebra
Algebra teacher professional development project: Impacts on teacher efficacy and student achievement.
(Beatty & Bruce, Niagara District School Board, Canadian Council for Learning grant)
[Activity: Building on the research of Beatty, this one-year study involved implementing a relatively complex
PD model that engaged teachers in research with the researchers. The focus of the PD was Patterning and
Algebra and, in particular, a lesson sequence developed by Beatty to enhance student conceptual and
procedural knowledge of growing patterns (linear functions). Teacher learning continues through ongoing
self-directed teacher interest teams. CLIPS based on this lesson sequence are now being generated.]