"Put down the math book and use each other as support" : An interview study of five class teachers' views of the laboratory working method of mathematics education

The purpose of this study is to examine the importance of a working laboratory in mathematics education, how it influences students’ learning and the confidence the teacher has in the laboratory component. Focus has been placed upon the advantages and disadvantages that could follow in the working method. The method used in this essay is qualitative in order to answer all the questions that arise along the way, and in order to use this method in interviews. The interviews that has taken place has been with five class teachers that are currently teaching at a elementary school between the years of 1-5. The purpose of this study has been answered by using its literature and the qualitative method with the class teachers. The results of the research show that teachers express gratitude towards the method in use for mathematics studies. The study also proves that students get more interested in learning and continuous learning. This contributed to a more flexible way of learning. By working in a laboratory, the students get to work with concrete materials in order to clarify mathematical concepts. The only downside seems to be the fact that students appear to become attached to this method, refusing any other learning techniques. This, however, should not stand in the way of using the laboratory method with children