Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/8389
Title: The impact of using stories in pre-school mathematics teaching in the Saudi Arabian context
Authors: BinAli, Abeer
Advisors: Koshy, V
Jones, D
Keywords: Nature of Mathematics;The importance of child-centred approach in teaching mathematics;Teacher's subject knowledge;Pedagogy in teaching mathematics;Teachers'attitude, beliefs and confidence
Issue Date: 2014
Publisher: Brunel University School of Sport and Education PhD Theses
Abstract: This study aims to investigate the impact of using stories in pre-school mathematics teaching in Saudi Arabia. An intervention was designed to promote interactive teaching and learning in eight classrooms across three private schools. Integral to the intervention was a series of five stories especially written by the researcher based around the same central characters; reflecting the cultural setting familiar to the children, and with a problem-solving storyline. The stories include a range of mathematical facts, skills and concepts applicable to young learners. Additional resource materials to accompany the stories were also designed and provided for the participating teachers. The researcher adopted a qualitative, constructivist, technical action research approach and three data collection tools were used: a bibliographical questionnaire for the teachers; pre- and post-interventions semi-structured interview schedules, and classroom observations. A thematic analysis of the pre- and post-intervention data was undertaken in order to monitor the impact of using the stories in the pre-school classrooms. The study considers the findings from the data in relation to both the teachers’ and the children's’ experiences pre- and post-intervention. In particular, the impact of the intervention on teachers’ subject knowledge, attitudes, confidence and classroom practice is discussed along with the impact on children’s engagement and enjoyment of mathematics; their mathematical understanding and thinking skills. The study concludes that using stories to teach mathematics had a positive impact on the quality of teaching and learning mathematics. Using the stories prompted a positive change in teacher’s and children’s attitudes and feelings towards mathematics; a greater understanding of key mathematical ideas; and an appreciation of the value and uses of mathematics in everyday life. The implications from the study highlight the importance of providing appropriate training for pre-school teachers (and elsewhere) and the pivotal role that using stories can play in ensuring high quality mathematics teaching and learning
Description: This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University
URI: http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/8389
Appears in Collections:Education
Dept of Education Theses

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