2026-09-24T02:15:06Zhttps://mro.massey.ac.nz/server/oai/requestoai:mro.massey.ac.nz:10179/8902025-11-11T14:22:30Zcom_10179_294col_10179_296
DSpace at Massey University
author
Bicknell, Brenda Anne
2009-07-06T20:54:50Z
NO_RESTRICTION2009-07-06T20:54:50Z
2009
http://hdl.handle.net/10179/890
Q112880070
https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q112880070
This study examines multiple perspectives on the education of a group of fifteen
Year 6 and Year 8 students identified as mathematically gifted and talented. The
students’ mathematical experiences, both past and present are examined using
evidence from school policy documents; student, teacher, and parent interviews;
questionnaires; and classroom observations. The purpose of this case study was to
seek understandings about awareness of the characteristics of mathematically gifted
and talented students, the identification of and educational provisions for
mathematically gifted and talented students, parental involvement, and school
transfer.
The group of fifteen students consisted of ten Year 6 students who transferred from
primary school to a new school for Year 7, and five Year 8 students who moved to
secondary schools for Year 9. These students had been identified by their school and
teachers as gifted and talented in mathematics.
This predominantly qualitative study is underpinned by an interpretive paradigm and
influenced by a sociocultural philosophy of learning and teaching. The literature
review presents the dilemmas, similarities, and differences that prevail in the field of
gifted education. A more specific focus is given to the education of mathematically
gifted students to highlight gaps in the field. This two-year study tracking a group of
students provides a cohesive approach to understanding the educational provisions
for students identified as mathematically gifted and talented in the New Zealand
setting. The multiple case studies included interviews, questionnaires, documents,
and observations.
The research findings show that there is not a comprehensive understanding by
schools and teachers about the characteristics of mathematically gifted students.
Despite the documentation of a range of identification processes in school policies, a
multiple method approach is not practised in many schools. Provision of appropriate
programmes is variable and determined by factors such as school organization,
identification, teacher knowledge and expertise, and resources. Parents play a key
role in their children’s mathematics education as motivators, resource providers,
monitors, mathematics content advisers, and mathematical learning advisers.
Schools, teachers, parents, and peers all contribute to the success of a student’s
transfer from one phase of schooling to another; they support a student’s social and
emotional well being and influence curriculum continuity in mathematics.
This study provides insights into the various determinants of the development of
mathematical talent. For New Zealand schools and teachers, it provides evidence that
understanding the characteristics of mathematical giftedness is important and that
identification processes must reflect this understanding. Provisions must be well
considered and evaluated; the role of parents should be understood and valued; and
home-school communications strengthened. Together, all stakeholders share a
critical role in the education of mathematically gifted and talented students.
en
The Author
Gifted children
Mathematics
Multiple perspectives on the education of mathematically gifted and talented students : a dissertation presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Education at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
Thesis
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