A Reconceptualized Framework for ‘Opportunity to Learn’ in School Mathematics

Mathematics Education in Ethiopia in the Era of COVID-19: Boosting Equitable Access for All Learners via Opportunity to Learning

“…The first is adopted from the joint work of Equity Leadership in Mathematics Education (NCSM) and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) recent recommendations in connection to effective practices for equitable access to high-quality mathematics teaching and learning (NCSM & NCTM, June 2020). The other one deals with the concept of opportunity to learn, OTL, (Walkowiak, Pinter, & Berry, 2017). We think that boosting the OTL in the teaching and learning of mathematics can be best approached by all the decision makers: educators, subject specialists, teachers, policy makers, parents and students together in the sense of overcoming the challenges created by COVID-19 school disruption.…”

“…On the other hand, Walkowiak et al (2017) re-conceptualized the concept of "Opportunity to learn (OTL)" by assuming that developing conceptual understanding. They developed OTL framework that constitutes:…”

“…The competencies or knowledge required to be effective mathematics teacher or Educator in the 21 st century is in general complex, global and local context based, and even difficult to attain (Ball, Thames, & Phelps, 2008;Jaipal-Jamani & Figg, 2015;Mishra & Koehler, 2006;Neubrand et al 2009;Niss, 2002;Rowland, Huckstep, & Thwaites, 2005;Shulman, 1986;Tesfamicael, 2019). Walkowiak et al (2017) identified two aspects of Teacher's MKT in relation to OTL: mathematical accuracy and if the lesson promotes accurate conceptions among students (See Table 1).…”

“…Talk alone cannot bring meaningful classroom discussion but it is the first step a teacher can do for effective discourse to happen. Talk provides students opportunities to explain their mathematical thinking and it can move students toward a deeper understanding of the mathematical goal (Walkowiak et al, 2017). Kazemi and Hintz (2014) provided different points about "intentional talk" that can help to create a classroom where all of the students in a class can engage in mathematical discussions.…”

“…In this article, the construct "opportunity to learning" (OTL) is taken as a parameter for addressing one of the goals of education: equitable access in mathematics education. This was done by adopting two frameworks: NCTM & NCSM (2020) and Walkowiak, Pinter, & Berry (2017). Finally, we come up with ten discussion points in order to boost the equitable access for all learners.…”