A Critical Analysis of the Value of Investigative Work in the
Mathematics Curriculum
Ian Corner
(PGCE Mathematics, 2012-2013)
email: cornerianr@hotmail.com
Abstract
This study looks into the value of investigative work within the secondary mathematics curriculum, specifically why and how it is implemented. This area of mathematics was first highlighted by Cockcroft in the 1980s and has
been made further important recently by the National Curriculum and Ofsted. The study is carried out with a high attaining set of year eight boys over a sequence of four lessons. Across these four lessons, two contrasting
investigations were used and followed up with tests and focus group interviews. On the whole it was found that: pupils enjoy investigative work, their use can act as a vehicle for greater understanding of mathematical
topics, certain syllabus topics can be taught and the teacher develops a less didactic role in investigations and is able to veer towards a social constructivist style of teaching.
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The full paper is available for download as a pdf file[pdf] 157-208-corneri
Citation :Corner, I (2013)" A Critical Analysis of the Value of Investigative Work in the
Mathematics Curriculum ''. Journal of Trainee Teacher Educational Research, Volume 5 pp. 157-208 (Downloaded from http://jotter.educ.cam.ac.uk/, [date of access])