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Learning theories and their conceptual meaning in mathematics: (Bachelor thesis)

Δαλαμπούρα, Όλγα/ Τουμάση, Γερασιμίνα/ Dalampoura, Olga/ Toumasi, Gerasimina

Teaching procedure combines three fundamental elements : the teacher, the student and the teaching aim. The way the above mentioned components interact in a teaching procedure constitutes the basis of a variety of learning theories. Learning theories such as Behaviourism, Constructivism as well as the historical-socio-cultural approaches shape/form certain teaching patterns/approaches. The problems kindergarten teachers face trying to teach preschool mathematics initiated our study. The aim of our study is to examine how kindergarten teachers comprehend learning theories in relation to the concepts of knowledge, learning, teaching, assessment and how they apply them in their teaching and assessing methods. In our study/survey we follow the interpretative methodological approach and use the semi-structured interview as a survey tool. Our survey results have shown a diversity in the way teachers understand and use specific learning theories in their teaching and assessing methods. Their answers range from simple to scientifically documented descriptions.