Exploratory activity in the mathematics classroom

In this chapter we show that mathematical explorations may be integrated into the core of the daily classroom mathematics activities instead of just being a peripheral activity that is carried out occasionally. Based on two episodes, one on the initial learning of the rational number at grade 5 and the other on the learning of algebraic language at grade 7, we show how teachers may invite students to get involved and interpret such tasks, how they may provide students with significant moments of autonomous work and lead widely participated collective discussions. Thus, we argue that these tasks provide a classroom setting with innovative features in relation to conventional education based on the exposi-tion of concepts and procedures, presentation of examples and practice of exercises and with much more positive results regarding learning.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Improvement in Neisseria gonorrhoeae culture rates by bedside inoculation and incubation at a clinic for sexually transmitted infections

Abstract Background Culture of Neisseria gonorrhoeae is essential for surveillance of complete antimicrobial susceptibility profiles. In 2014, the culture success rate of N. gonorrhoeae from samples taken at the clinic for sexually transmitted infections (STI clinic), Oslo University Hospital, Norway, was only 20%. The present study aimed to improve gonococcal culture rates using bedside inoculation of patient samples on gonococcal agar plates and incubation at the STI clinic. Methods This prospective quality improvement study was conducted by the STI clinic and the Department of Microbiology at Oslo University Hospital from May 2016 - October 2017. When culture of N. gonorrhoeae was clinically indicated, we introduced a parallel ‘bedside culture’ at the STI clinic and compared results with the standard culture at the microbiology department. Samples were taken from urethra, anorectum, pharynx and cervix. Culture rates were compared across symptomatic and asymptomatic anatomical sites. Results From 596 gonococcal-positive PCR samples, bedside culture had a significantly higher success rate of 57% compared to 41% with standard culture (p < 0.05). Overall, culture rate from symptomatic sites was 91% v. 45% from asymptomatic sites. The culture rates from different anatomical sites were as follows: urethra 93%, anorectum 64%, pharynx 28% and cervix 70%. Bedside culture significantly (p < 0.05) improved the culture rates for symptomatic urethral and asymptomatic pharyngeal samples. Conclusions Where feasible, bedside inoculation on gonococcal agar plates and incubation of samples from patients with gonorrhoea is recommended. This will improve the culture diagnostics and provide additional gonococcal isolates for antimicrobial resistance surveillance