Modes of Acquisition of Shanghai Mathematics Teachers’ Pedagogical Content Knowledge within Communities of Practice

The purpose of this study was to determine the modes of acquisition of Shanghai elementary mathematics teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge within their communities of practice. This study uses the qualitative multiple-case study with a survey research approach with two teachers in two public elementary schools, one each from an urban and a suburban district of Shanghai. In total, forty-four teachers, four teaching research coordinators in the two districts and city, one university professor, and four school administrators were involved in the study. The study shows that Shanghai elementary mathematics teachers acquire and develop their pedagogical content knowledge through positive mentorship; active participation in Teaching Research Group activities in the schools, districts, and city; and informal and formal communications with their colleagues in their school communities. The teaching research coordinators help teachers to better understand the elementary mathematics curriculum, topics, and teaching materials, and students’ learning of mathematics. School policies encourage, support, and ensure that teachers’ professional learning and development occur through their participation within teacher-supported communities of practice. This study has implications for the teachers’ communities of practice, in that policy makers and school administrators should enable teachers to share their teaching practices to improve their mathematics pedagogical content knowledge, and therefore improve students’ learning of mathematics.