The objectives of the DEEC project

The aim is twofold: to determine the effectiveness of a teaching sequence resulting from a reconceptualization of certain elements of the ACE progression, while at the same time designing, implementing and evaluating the support for this same sequence.

1. Determine and document what works in the sequence.

This sequence is implemented in its first form (S1), initially within a controlled environment, in the first year of research, by a group of teachers (G1, 12 classes) forming part of the research team, on the basis of an initial M1 model of effectiveness. A method for analyzing the work done by teachers and students is gradually devised during the research. It is based on a combination of two types of analysis: on the one hand, statistical analyses to identify what is effective in these practices on the basis of student performance (Evidence Based Practice, EBP); on the other hand, a documented joint analysis of these practices by members of the research team, bringing together teachers from the G1 group and researchers, which determines the reasons underlying this effectiveness, on the basis of hypermedia systems built up from films of the implementation of these practices (Practice Based Evidence, PBE).

2. Large-scale validation of the effectiveness of the sequence and its accompaniment.

This method of analysis (combining EPB/PBE) enables us to develop an M2 model of effectiveness, an S2 improved sequence, and a hypermedia system to support the practice. This sequence, the model it embodies, and its accompanying system are tested in the second year of research with a randomized controlled trial on three groups. Two groups implementquence: G2 (50 classes) with hypermedia support, and G3 (50 classes) without. One group, G4 (50 classes), is working on the same mathematical objectives, building their own sequence.

The research thus implements a double methodological innovation to solve the problem of scaling up in education: 1) a method of joint analysis of the evolution of the students’ performances and of the implementations in the classrooms; 2) a method of documentation of the practices proved to be effective in the elaboration of specific hypermedia systems, intended to instrument the teachers’ accompaniment.

The dissemination of the results will take place in two directions: towards the research, with two workshops organized in the middle and at the end of the research; towards the teachers – a conference “Problem Posing and Solving” at the end of the research.