## Professionelle Kompetenz von Lehrkräften: Ergebnisse des Forschungsprogramms COACTIV
This book, "Professionelle Kompetenz von Lehrkräften: Ergebnisse des Forschungsprogramms COACTIV," delves into the crucial role of teacher expertise in shaping effective mathematics education. Authored by Mareike Kunter, Jürgen Baumert, and Werner Blum, it presents groundbreaking empirical findings from the COACTIV research program, a pioneering study in the German-speaking world.
The book goes beyond theoretical frameworks to provide a comprehensive and empirical examination of the different facets of teacher expertise. It focuses particularly on two key areas of teacher knowledge: content knowledge (CK) and pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) in mathematics. The authors argue that these areas, alongside teacher beliefs, motivation, and self-regulation skills, are integral components of professional competence.
**Key Highlights:**
* **Structure of Professional Competence:** The book explores the complex interplay between CK, PCK, and other essential teacher characteristics, offering a nuanced understanding of how these elements contribute to effective teaching practices.
* **Determinants of Competence Differences:** It investigates the factors influencing variations in teacher expertise, analyzing the impact of individual characteristics, training experiences, and professional development opportunities.
* **Consequences of Competence on Student Learning:** A core focus of the book is the examination of how different levels of teacher competence directly influence student learning outcomes in mathematics.
* **COACTIV Research Findings:** The book presents key findings from the COACTIV project, offering valuable insights into the relationship between teacher expertise, instructional quality, and student achievement.
* **Implications for Teacher Education:** It concludes with a discussion on the implications of these findings for teacher training programs, highlighting the need for targeted interventions that foster the development of essential knowledge, skills, and beliefs.
**Target Audience:**
This book is a valuable resource for a wide audience, including:
* Researchers in education, mathematics didactics, and competence diagnostics
* Teacher educators and professional development providers
* Policymakers involved in shaping educational reforms
* Pre-service and in-service teachers seeking to deepen their understanding of effective teaching practices
**FAQs:**
**1. What makes this book unique compared to other publications on teacher expertise?**
This book distinguishes itself by its strong empirical foundation. It moves beyond theoretical discussions to present concrete research findings from a large-scale study. The COACTIV program utilized rigorous data collection methods and analyses to provide robust evidence for the impact of teacher competence on student learning.
**2. Is the book relevant for teachers of other subjects, or is it solely focused on mathematics education?**
While the book specifically focuses on mathematics education, the underlying principles and research findings hold significant relevance for teachers across all subjects. The framework presented for understanding teacher competence, with its emphasis on CK, PCK, beliefs, and self-regulation, can be applied to diverse teaching contexts.
**3. Does the book offer practical suggestions for improving teacher education programs?**
Yes, the book dedicates a section to discussing the implications of the research for teacher education and professional development. It advocates for programs that prioritize the development of both subject-specific knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge, along with fostering positive beliefs and effective self-regulation strategies in teachers.
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