[Maths-Education] Re: Fwd: The Khan Academy

[Sven Trenholm]

If it is of any interest... we recently conducted a comprehensive review of research articles on mathematics lecturing.  Our focus was on e-lecturing at the tertiary level but I think the findings are also relevant to this discussion.
Sven

Mathematics Lecturing in the Digital Age
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0020739X.2011.646325

Abstract:  In this article, we consider the transformation of tertiary mathematics lecture practice. We undertake a focused examination of the related research with two goals in mind. First, we document this research, reviewing the findings of key studies and noting that reflective pieces on individual practice as well as surveys are more prevalent than empirical studies. Second, we investigate issues related to the transformation of lecture practice by the emergence of e-lectures. We discuss the latter in terms of claims about the efficiencies offered by new technologies and contrast these with possible disadvantages in terms of student engagement in a learning community. Overall findings indicate that while survey results appear to trumpet the value of e-lecture provision, empirical study results appear to call that value into question. Two explanatory theoretical frameworks are presented. Issues concerning the instructional context (e.g. the nature of mathematical thinking), inherent complexities and recommendations for implementation are discussed.

Sven Trenholm
Mathematics Education Centre
Loughborough University
Loughborough, Leicestershire
LE11 3TU, UK
S.Trenholm at lboro.ac.uk
mathelearning at gmail.com
+44 (0) 1509 22 8212 

The Mathematics Education Centre is a recognized UK centre for research into Mathematics Education in the Higher Education sector. 
________________________________________
From: maths-education-bounces at lists.nottingham.ac.uk [maths-education-bounces at lists.nottingham.ac.uk] On Behalf Of Hugh Burkhardt [Hugh.Burkhardt at nottingham.ac.uk]
Sent: 18 March 2012 12:19
To: Mathematics Education discussion forum
Subject: [Maths-Education] Re: Fwd: The Khan Academy

The general view in the US seems to be that the videos are examples of clear expository teaching - greatly needed in a country where that is rare.  (Not a problem we have here, of course)

Among the more preceptive it is recognised that, for many students, clear expository teaching (+ lots of practice, of course) does not deliver competence.

Hugh

> Colleagues. I wonder if anyone has an informed view on "The Khan Academy" a website which seems to have hundreds of maths instruction videos on YouTube.
>
> http://www.khanacademy.org
>
> Its been suggested to me as "inspirational " but I've looked at some and have been quite underwhelmed. Am I missing something here?
>
> Peter Gates
> University of Nottingham
>
>

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