How does a research field develop and how important are research questions in driving the progress and development of a field? In this presentation I look specifically at the evolution of research questions which explore learners experiencing mathematics difficulties (MDs) and frame this as a potential grand challenge (Stephan et al. 2015) within mathematics education. Grand challenges are understood as complex and difficult problems, which require interdisciplinary research, and whose address aims to improve educational and social outcomes. In recent years research around learners experiencing MDs has grown significantly, and the mathematics education community is in a unique position to make meaningful contributions to the development of this subfield of research. I present findings from a major metasynthesis of mathematics education articles on MDs with an eye towards the question: Is the research meeting the criteria for a grand challenge?

Bio:

Robyn Ruttenberg-Rozen, PhD, is an Assistant Teaching Professor at Ontario Tech University where she teaches courses in educational research, mathematics content and pedagogy to K-12 prospective teachers. Robyn’s research interests lie at the intersection of mathematics education, equity and special education. She is currently working on a SSHRC-funded research project aimed at disrupting probabilistic misconceptions related to social issues.