EMC-PK2: An Experimental Observation Tool for Capturing the Instructional Coherence and Quality in Early Math Classrooms

EMC-PK2: An Experimental Observation Tool for Capturing the Instructional Coherence and Quality in Early Math Classrooms

This article explores the development of a new observation research tool called the EMC-PK2, designed to capture coherent mathematics teaching and learning practices in preschool through second-grade classrooms. There is widespread interest in improving early math instruction and moving from traditi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Education sciences Vol. 14; no. 10; p. 1039
Main Authors: Rainey, Luke, Farran, Dale Clark, Durkin, Kelley
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Basel MDPI AG 01-10-2024
Subjects:
classroom observation
coherence
Curricula
Direct Instruction
early math
Education
Educational Strategies
instrument validation
Learning
Mathematics Achievement
Mathematics education
Methods
School districts
Students
Teachers
Teaching
California
United States > US
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Summary:This article explores the development of a new observation research tool called the EMC-PK2, designed to capture coherent mathematics teaching and learning practices in preschool through second-grade classrooms. There is widespread interest in improving early math instruction and moving from traditional didactic instructional methods to a more problem-solving approach. However, there are few observational tools appropriate for research supporting high-quality mathematics teaching and learning practices that can inform what is happening during math lessons and that are appropriate across preschool and elementary school environments. This tool was developed to try and meet that need. It was piloted and first used in a longitudinal study in two large U.S. public school districts, across Pre-K through second grade. Analysis of the observational data offers insights into the psychometrics of the tool, showing reliable use and capturing several key dimensions of practice: at the activity level, teacher facilitation and student engagement; and at the observation level, differentiation and classroom environment. Although costly in both time and resources to implement at a large scale, the EMC-PK2 can offer much-needed understanding for researchers concerned with early math teaching and learning.
ISSN:2227-7102
2227-7102
DOI:10.3390/educsci14101039