This project consists of two interrelated parts. Four teleconferences on problem solving in mathematics appropriate for secondary teachers will be produced. These will be coordinated with a set of four problem solving modules. The effect of this technological mode of delivery on the mathematics problem solving ability and awareness of preservice mathematics teachers in Oklahoma will be evaluated. Comparisons will be made among teachers who participate in the teleconferences and use the modules, teachers who use the modules only, and teachers have access to neither the teleconferences nor the modules. Because the preservice teachers in Oklahoma spend one full year as first year teachers in schools before they are certified, results of the research study can be generalized to novice teachers in other geographic areas. This project focuses on two very important facets of teacher education. An area of great concern in mathematics education is the teaching of problem solving at every level in the curriculum. The products from this project will be four video cassettes from the teleconferences that can be used for both preservice and inservice instruction on problem solving. These video cassettes will capture on film, techniques for teaching problem solving, as well as making available to a large audience of prospective teachers and teachers, experts' views on this subject. This in itself might have been a sufficient reason for funding in the Teacher Preparation Program. However, in addition, this project will provide information about the use of teleconferencing as a delivery system for preservice and inservice instruction on a complex topic for which there is great need. Because it is impossible to provide quality inservice instruction for all teachers in the country in workshop settings, especially in geographic areas where the population is sparce, the teleconference may be an appropriate manner of updating teachers' backgrounds. This project will provide evidence for the desirability of the use of teleconferences in working with teachers. If it is found to be appropriate, it could reform the mode of delivery of mathematics education inservice instruction throughout the country.
