An instrument for supporting teachers and teacher trainers during mathematics and science educational renewal

Abstract

The recently started EU mathematics and science for life (mascil) project offers an opportunity to find characteristics of guideline documents that are supposed to support teachers and teacher trainers in taking up intended innovations during the implementation phase of educational renewal. Gathering opinions of educational renewal experts and teacher trainers on the mascil guideline document improves our understanding of characteristics of guideline documents. Opinions of experts were gathered using a two cycle Delphi study. Six experts on educational renewal were sent a questionnaire on the mascil guideline document. Answers were summarised and sent back for verification. Opinions of teacher trainers were gathered using a questionnaire. Fifteen teacher trainers filled in the questionnaire. Answers from both experts and teacher trainers showed that guideline documents should start with examples, than give a thorough work plan on adaptation of tasks, and finally include a section on renewal theory. Usage of guideline documents should be coupled to professional development sessions and connected to experiences of daily practice. This possibly makes renewal projects more sustainable by enhancing implementation phase effectiveness.