Supporting teachers to engage with Structured Problem Solving in their Junior Cycle classrooms –developing Educative Curriculum Materials for use with Lesson Study

Successive curriculum reforms in Ireland have led to an increased emphasis on problem-solving approaches to teaching mathematics. However, there is little research to suggest that classroom practices have changed significantly. In this paper we outline the design of a set of Educative Curriculum Materials (ECMs) as part of a professional development intervention, which aims to support teachers to incorporate Structured Problem Solving into their classroom practice. These materials are designed to be used in Lesson Study as part of a professional development intervention. We begin by describing Structured Problem Solving and the challenge it poses for teachers, before outlining the role professional development, and specifically ECMs, can play in supporting teachers with this approach. Finally we highlight some key features of the ECMs currently being developed.