TIMSS and the Influence of the Instructional Leader on Mathematics and Science Performance

Abstract

To make changes that improve the teaching and learning of mathematics and science, the principal as instructional leader must understand and actively participate in the teaching and learning process. Suggestions for creating a supportive school environment that engages teachers and students are offered.

Classroom Videos in Professional Development

“…Used in this way, video cases constitute a powerful means to present student‐teachers with alternative perspectives and practices, to stimulate them to look at events from the student's perspectives as well as the teacher's, and to become much more conscious of their own knowledge, beliefs, values and feelings by considering how they would have acted in a similar situation (Harrington, 1995). In addition, studies like TIMSS, focusing on the assessment of student work against rigorous academic content standards or the comparison of teaching methods via video recording from around the globe have the capacity and the potential to broaden national perspectives and fuel education reform with new information about student learning and teaching practices (Rice & Islas, 2001).…”

“…Rich, Hannafin, and Allexsaht‐Snider (2006) explored pre‐service teacher development as they use video‐based evidence to analyze and subsequently act on their instructional decisions. Using the Video Analysis Tool (VAT), they facilitated the collection and analysis of video‐based evidence.…”