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Policy to practice in reception class mathematics
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Durmaz, Döndü (2010) Policy to practice in reception class mathematics. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.
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Official URL: http://webcat.warwick.ac.uk/record=b2521723~S15
Abstract
This study examines implementation of early years mathematics policy in
reception classes (RCs) in England. It addresses the core question: what is
the relationship between policy and practice in the Foundation Stage (FS)
mathematics curriculum for three- to five-year-olds, in particular,
implementation in RCs?
Policies and their implementation are analysed by means of the policy
trajectory model outlined by Bowe et al. (1992) which separates the creation
and implementation of policy into three distinct but interactive cycles: context
of influence, context of policy text production, and context of practice. It both
guided and framed this study.
In the context of influence, scrutiny of international policy revealed a
recognition of the importance of high-quality early years education, as a
means to raising school achievement. This posed a challenge to RC teachers
charged with both accessing and extending children’s rich mathematical
knowledge through appropriate, yet accepted FS practices.
The context of policy text production uncovereded a tension between the drive
to raise standards through whole-class interactive methods and the need for
an appropriately play-based and informal FS pedagogy. Elite interviews
revealed an awareness of and concern about this but showed little optimism
for future development of practice,
In the context of practice, RC teachers revealed a positive attitude towards FS
curriculum and pedagogy. Observed practice, however, was seen to vary
considerably. Tensions in FS mathematics policy were thus enacted in RCs
through practice that ranged from didactic teacher-led numeracy tasks poorly
matched to children’s capabilities to colourful practical mathematics activities
that did not necessarily extend children’s learning.
The policy trajectory model revealed strong top-down pressures that took little
account of the impact on those charged with implementation, with RC
teachers caught in a nexus of forces, reflecting requirements to deliver
accepted FS practice and increase formality of numeracy lessons.
Item Type: | Thesis (PhD) | ||||
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Subjects: | L Education > LB Theory and practice of education | ||||
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH): | Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Primary) -- Great Britain, Education, Primary -- Curricula -- Great Britain, First grade (Education) -- Great Britain | ||||
Official Date: | July 2010 | ||||
Dates: |
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Institution: | University of Warwick | ||||
Theses Department: | Institute of Education | ||||
Thesis Type: | PhD | ||||
Publication Status: | Unpublished | ||||
Supervisor(s)/Advisor: | Aubrey, Carol | ||||
Sponsors: | Turkey | ||||
Description: | This is an abridged version for electronic use; please see the official URL for details on how to access the full version. |
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Extent: | 356 leaves | ||||
Language: | eng |
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