Browsing by Author "Torttila, Nea"

Tiivistelmä - Referat - Abstract The research aims to examine class teachers’ experiences of the Hungarian-based Varga–Neményi method in first grade mathematics teaching. According to the Finnish education curriculum (2014), the task of mathematics in grades 1–2 is to develop students’ logical, precise and creative mathematical thinking. In response to these goals, the Varga–Neményi method offers an experimental and student-centered approach to the teaching of mathematics. Exploring the advantages of the method can provide an understanding of the significance of the method as well as encourage new teachers to use the method. On the other hand, examining the challenges of the method can help in developing the method and addressing the possible problem areas. The research was conducted using qualitative research methods. The data was collected using thematic interviews with five class teachers. The interviews were recorded and transcribed. The data was analysed following the principles of thematic analysis. The Varga–Neményi method was seen as a useful teaching method in the first grade. The main advantages of the method turned out to be the student-centeredness, students’ positive mathematical image and factors related to learning and teacher’s work. On the other hand, the challenges were initiating with the method, subject didactics, arduousness of the method and factors related to the learning materials. The results were in line with the results of previous studies. However, the research increases the understanding of the overall advantages of the method for the learning mathematics and also the challenges that the teacher may face when using the method.