On the use of spreadsheet algebra programmes in the professional development of teachers from selected township high schools

CITATION: Gierdien, F. 2014. On the use of spreadsheet algebra programmes in the professional development of teachers from selected township high schools. African Journal of Research in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 18(1): 87-99, doi: 1080/10288457.2014.884352.The original publication is available at http://www.tandfonline.comThis paper reports on the initial stages of a small-scale project involving the use of ‘spreadsheet algebra programmes’ (SAPs) in the professional development of eight teachers from three township high schools. In terms of the education context, the paper draws on social practice theory. It then details what is meant by spreadsheet algebra. An analysis of teacher conversations and artefacts generated during an in-service workshop is conducted which takes into account the education context and two practices – the teachers’ pencil-paper algebra and the mathematics teacher educator’s spreadsheet algebra. Implications for professional development are considered, especially the teachers’ strategies with respect to the ‘top down’ imposition of the curriculum in terms of patterns and functions.http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10288457.2014.884352Post prin