Dr. Alex Lawson
Dr. Alex Lawson believes any child can and should experience success in elementary-level math...provided they are delivered solid instruction.
An elementary mathematics teacher for 12 years in a variety of settings from regular and alternative schools to correctional facilities, Dr. Lawson had some understanding of what such instruction entails. For the last six years, she's had the opportunity to put these ideas into play through a pretty impressive project, tracking the mathematical development of 50 children from the beginning of grade 1 through to the end of grade 5 at an elementary school in Peel. Through this initiative, Dr. Lawson endeavored to explore whether instructional methods that began with children's thinking, delayed formal instruction of algorithms, and promoted children's mathematical conjecture and defense of ideas would enhance their understanding and enjoyment of mathematics.
Her graduate students have actively participated in this innovative project, which is the longest running of its kind in Canada and the United States. Working in the Multi-data Convergence Lab, the team collaborated to review over 8000 clips of students solving problems and track the progress of each student's learning.
Aside from publishing academically on this research, Dr. Lawson is writing a book for elementary school math teachers. Currently negotiating a publishing deal with Pearson Publishing, she explains that the book will include videos to show the children's development throughout the project. "Teachers need to see and learn what kids are capable of doing." The videos show the students' initial math abilities, their progression in learning, and the kind of instruction teachers gave to promote it.
"My hope is to actually make a change, make a difference in how mathematics is taught."
Aside from including graduate students in her research, Dr. Lawson also strives to provide them with careful mentoring, thereby well-preparing the next generation of researchers and mathematical leaders. Several former graduate students are already actively contributing towards the advancement of mathematics teaching; three are currently the math specialists in their school boards.
"My goal is to support students to do a rigorous thesis through which they will genuinely offer a contribution to the field--discovering something different from what's already out there."