Enhancing Teacher Professional Development and Community Cultivation With Social Network Analysis

• In Event: Poster Session 10
  In Poster Session: Teacher Development/Professional Development Posters

Abstract

This study is part of a larger research project that aims to cultivate an online community of mathematics educators. The purpose of this smaller study is to suggest interventions that will support community cultivation efforts. Social network analytical methods are used to study participants’ interactions in virtual spaces. Investigation focused upon the most prominent members of the network, the presence of a core-periphery and the relationship between participant types and prominence. Analysis suggests that supporting interactions between newly involved and more long-standing participants will enhance community cultivation efforts. And, four participants emerged as most prominent in the network, therefore being most effective in controlling and spreading novel information. These participants are suggested to receive additional professional development.

Authors

• Anthony Matranga, Drexel University

• Jason Silverman, Drexel University

• Emmanuel Koku