Poster #49 - Using Electrodermal Activity to Explore the "Work" in the Work of Teaching

• In Event: 79.052 - MTCC Poster Session 19
  In Poster Session: 79.052-4 - Teaching Across Multiple Spaces

Abstract

This paper describes the results of interdisciplinary research, using the physiological measure of Electrodermal Activity (EDA), to explore the work of responding to students’ mathematical thinking. 19 secondary mathematics teachers completed a teaching simulation during which they acted as a substitute teacher for a 6th grade math class and responded to three student answers. During the simulation, participants wore wrist-based EDA sensors. The EDA data captured was analyzed for autonomic sympathetic arousal that is reflective of emotional, attentional, and cognitive processes (Critchley, 2002). Results indicate that arousal was highest when participants were responding to the student answers and preparing for the lesson. These findings suggest sites for further exploration into the challenges and demands of responding to student thinking.

Author

• Annick Rougee, Washington State University - Tri-Cities