Abstract
This study explored how a professional development (PD) program supported 18 primary mathematics teachers in integrating spatial reasoning into their classroom practice. Grounded in the well-established link between spatial ability and mathematical achievement, the PD aimed to strengthen teachers’ conceptual understanding, instructional strategies, and confidence in using spatially rich tasks. The program integrated lesson study cycles with the
Pictorial–Concrete–Abstract (PCA) model to guide instructional planning and
implementation. Findings revealed a shift in teachers’ practice from procedural instruction toward a greater emphasis on conceptual understanding, classroom dialogue, and mathematical reasoning. Participants also developed a deeper appreciation for spatial reasoning as a fundamental component of mathematics learning. These results highlight the potential of combining spatial activities, PCA strategies, and collaborative lesson study within PD to enhance mathematics instruction.
Pictorial–Concrete–Abstract (PCA) model to guide instructional planning and
implementation. Findings revealed a shift in teachers’ practice from procedural instruction toward a greater emphasis on conceptual understanding, classroom dialogue, and mathematical reasoning. Participants also developed a deeper appreciation for spatial reasoning as a fundamental component of mathematics learning. These results highlight the potential of combining spatial activities, PCA strategies, and collaborative lesson study within PD to enhance mathematics instruction.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Proceedings of the Tenth Conference on Research in Mathematics Education in Ireland (MEI 10) |
| Editors | Siun Nic Mhuiri, Lorraine Harbison, Miriam Ryan |
| Place of Publication | Dublin |
| Publisher | Dublin City University |
| Pages | 41-46 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Oct 2025 |
| Event | Tenth Conference on Research in Mathematics Education in Ireland - Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland Duration: 17 Oct 2025 → 18 Oct 2025 https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17398480 |
Conference
| Conference | Tenth Conference on Research in Mathematics Education in Ireland |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | ME10 |
| Country/Territory | Ireland |
| City | Dublin |
| Period | 17/10/25 → 18/10/25 |
| Internet address |
Keywords*
- Spatial reasoning
- spatial ability
- mathematics education
- professional development
- primary teachers
Field of Science*
- 5.3 Educational sciences
Publication Type*
- 3.2. Articles or chapters in other proceedings other than those included in 3.1., with an ISBN or ISSN code