Constantinos P. Christou CURRICULUM VITAE

Constantinos Christou is a professor of mathematics education at the University of Cyprus. He is Adjunct Professor in the Kaput Center for Research and innovation in STEM education, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. He is the President of the Governing

Body of the Open University of Cyprus. He served as the president of the Cyprus Council for the Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications (Ky.S.A.T.S) and vice president of the Accreditation Council of Cyprus (S.Ek.A.P). He also served as a chair of the Department of Education of the University of Cyprus (2004-2010), member of the Senate of the University of Cyprus, vice-dean of the faculty of Social and Educational Sciences and member of several senate comities. He is an elected member of the board of the “European Society for Research in Mathematics Education”. He was appointed as the president of the committee for the development of new mathematics curricula in Cyprus. He is the Cyprus National Project Manager of the survey PISA 2012 (OECD Programme for International Student Assessment).

He has published more than 100 books, book chapters, journal articles and conference proceedings. He is a reviewer of scientific journals in mathematics education and member of the editorial board of mathematics education journals. He participated as coordinator and partner in several European research projects and was the coordinator of five other research projects funded by the University of Cyprus, the Cyprus Research Foundation and Leventis Foundation. He was the National Representative of Cyprus in the TIMSS 2003 research study. He was an invited plenary speaker in several international and national conferences. He gave more than 40 speeches regarding the integration of ICT in mathematics education in seminars and symposiums organised by educational and social associations. He is the chair of the working group for the incorporation of information technology in the primary school mathematics curriculum, and the scientific advisor of committee for

the mathematics textbooks, which are currently used in the primary schools of Cyprus. Professional Preparation Undergraduate: Pedagogical Academy of Cyprus (Teacher's Diploma 1972) University of Athens (B.A. Public Administration) Western Australian College (B.Ed. Mathematics 1984) Graduate: M.A. in Mathematics Education, 1986, Antioch University, USA Ph.D., 1993, University of Toledo, Ohio, USA

Appointments September 2006-present. Full Professor, University of Cyprus. September 2002-2006. Associate Professor, University of Cyprus. September 1998-2002. Assistant Professor, University of Cyprus. September 1995-1998. Lecturer, University of Cyprus.

Research Interests His research in mathematics education can be divided mainly into four areas: cognitive development of mathematical concepts and mental representations, ICT integration in mathematics teaching, problem solving and 3D geometry thinking.

Cognitive development of mathematical concepts and mental representations He investigated the development of mathematical concepts under various theoretical lenses. He used Tall’s theory in collaboration with other colleagues to analyse students’ understanding of function (Christou, Pitta-Pantazi, Soyoul, & Zachariades, 2005). He also investigated students’ levels of understanding of exponents by using elements of the conceptual change theory and the property oriented view (Pitta-Pantazi, Christou, & Zachariades, 2007). More recently he shifted his research focus from mental representations to students’ cognitive styles.

Specifically, he investigated the effect of students’ cognitive styles on students’ performance in measurement and geometry tasks in a dynamic geometry learning environment (Pitta-Pantazi, & Christou, 2007, 2008). He has also examined students’ inductive reasoning by proposing a model that hypothesizes that six distinct cognitive processes aiming at detecting similarity and/or differences in attributes and relations are used for the solution of inductive mathematics problems dealing with attributes or relationships (Papageorgiou & Christou, 2007).

Integration of ICT in mathematics teaching He has studied extensively the integration of ICT in mathematics teaching and specifically how students’ interactions with technological tools mediate the construction of mathematical meanings. In Christou, Mousoulides, Pittalis and Pitta (2004, 2005) he has explored problem solving and problem posing in a dynamic geometry environment and how prospective teachers can teach proofs through exploration in dynamic geometry environments. He has also worked on the theoretical considerations of developing a 3DMath dynamic geometry software (Christou, Pittalis, Mousoulides, & Jones, 2007).

Problem Solving Significant domain of his research activity is mathematical problem solving. He has searched for ways in which students constructed meanings through mathematical problem solving and how students – teacher – tools interactions mediate the construction of these meanings. He has studied and proposed a theoretical model for describing the cognitive processes involved in mathematical problem solving and problem posing (Christou, Mousoulides, Pittalis & Pitta, 2005) related to mathematical modeling as a venue for developing students’ problem solving abilities. Another parameter of his research activity is the emergence of modeling perspectives from the genre of problem solving research (Mousoulides, Sriraman, Christou, 2008). He explored students’ mathematical and modeling developments as

he worked with his team on complex modeling problems using technological tools, involving interpreting and dealing with multiple sets of data.

3D geometry thinking Recently he has examined with his team the structure of 3D geometry thinking by identifying different types of reasoning in 3D geometry thinking and its relation with spatial ability. Based on research results we proposed a model assuming that four types of reasoning are involved in 3D geometry thinking: (a) the type of reasoning that refers to the representation of 3D objects, (b) the type of reasoning that refers to spatial structuring, (c) the type of reasoning that refers to the conceptualization of mathematical properties and (d) the measurement reasoning (Pittalis, Mousoulides & Christou, 2007).

International and National Research Programs 1. DALEST: Developing an active learning environment for Stereometry (Minerva, 2005, Coordinator) 2. Calgeo: Teaching Calculus with the use of Dynamic Geometry Enviroments (Comenius, 2004-2007). 3. EMETT: European Joint Master in Teacher Training (2007-2009). 4. «Cognitive and Metacognitive development in relation with didactic approaches». Funded by the University of Cyprus (2005-2008). 5. «Using Dynamic geometry tools for the teaching of geometry in elementary and secondary school». Funded by the University of Cyprus (2005). 6. “Designing an active learning environment for the learning of stereomery in schools that promote differentiated instruction”. Funded by the University of Cyprus (2005-2007). 7. Distance Education. The in-service education of teachers in mathematics and science with the use of computers. (This research was sponsored by the Cyprus Planning Bureau, the Cyprus British Petroleum, and the Ministry of Education of Greece. It was conducted with the cooperation of the University of Crete) (1996-1999).

8. Intercultural approach to myths, mathematics and learning difficulties in the contemporary technological communication environment. (It is funded by INTEREEG II . In this project the participant institutions are : the University of Cyprus, the University of Aegean, the Ain Shams University, and the Lebanese American University), (2000-2001). 9. A framework for mathematics teachers` support. The program is sponsored by the Greek and Cypriot Government. (2001-2003). 10. WebLabs: new representational infrastructures for e-learning. Information Society Technologies (IST) Programme. (2002-2005).

Participation in Conferences

-Pan-Hellenic Conference of the Greek Mathematics Society, November 2010, Chalkida,Greece (invited speaker) - PME 33th International Conference for the Psychology of Mathematics Education, Greece, 2009. - CERME 5, Larnaka, Cyprus, February 2007. - PME 31st International Conference for the Psychology of Mathematics Education, Prague, 2006. - CERME 4, Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Spain, February 2007. - PME 26th International Conference for the Psychology of Mathematics Education, England, 2002. - TIMSS Conference on Data Entry, Hamburg, 2002. - Second Conference in Secondary Education Mathematics, Athens, 2003.

Participation in Professional Associations 

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

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Psychology on Mathematics Education

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European Research on Mathematics Education

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National Society of Mathematics Education Research

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Cyprus Pedagogical Society

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Cyprus Mathematics Society

Selected Publications Pitta-Pantazi, D., & Christou, C. (2011). The structure of prospective kindergarten teachers’ proportional reasoning. Journal of Mathematics Teacher Education, 14(2), 149 – 169. doi:10.1007/s10857-011-9175-y Pitta-Pantazi, D., Christou, C., Kontoyianni, K., & Kattou, M. (2011). A model of mathematical giftedness: Integrating natural, creative and mathematical abilities. Canadian Journal of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, 11(1), 39 – 54. doi:10.1080/14926156.2011.548900 Pitta-Pantazi, D., & Christou, C. (2010). Spatial versus object visualisation: The case of mathematical understanding in three-dimensional arrays of cubes and nets. International Journal of Educational Research, 49(2-3), 102 – 114. doi:10.1016/j.ijer.2010.10.001 Pittalis, M., & Christou, C. (2010). Types of reasoning in 3D geometry thinking and their relation with spatial abilities. Educational Studies in Mathematics, 75(2), 191212. doi: 10.1007/s10649-010-9251-8 Mousoulides, N., Pittalis, M., Christou, C., & Sriraman, B. (2010). Tracing students’ modeling processes in school. In R. Lesh et al. (Eds.), Modeling Students’ Mathematical Modeling Competences (pp. 119-129). Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-14419-056-1_10 Pitta-Pantazi, D., & Christou, C. (2009). Cognitive styles, dynamic geometry and measurement performance. Educational Studies in Mathematics, 70(1), 5-26. Christou, C., Eliophotou-Menon, M., & Philippou, G. (2009). Beginning teachers’ concerns regarding the adoption of new mathematics curriculum materials. In J. T. Remillard, B. A. Herbel-Eisenmann, & G. M. Lloyd (Eds.), Mathematics teachers at work: Connecting curriculum materials and classroom instruction (pp. 223–244). New York: Routledge.

Pittalis, M., Mousoulides, N., & Christou, C. (2009). Levels of sophistication in representing 3D shapes. In M.Tzekaki, M.Kaldrimidou & H.Sakonides (Eds.), Proceedings of the 33rd Conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education (Vol. 4, pp. 377-384). Thessaloniki, Greece. Pittalis, M., Mousoulides, N., & Christou, C. (2009). Levels of sophistication in 3D Geometry thinking. Presented at the Sixth Conference of the European society for Research in Mathematics Education (Thematic Group 5). France: Lyon. Mousoulides, N., Chrysostomou, M., Pittalis, M., & Christou C. (2009). Modeling with technology in elementary classrooms. Presented at the Sixth Conference of the European Society for Research in Mathematics Education (Thematic Group 11). France: Lyon. Kontoyianni, K., Kattou, M., Ioannou P., Erodotou M., Christou, C., & Pittalis, M. (2009). Perceptions on teaching the mathematically gifted. Presented at the Sixth Conference of the European Society for Research in Mathematics Education (Thematic Group 10). France: Lyon. Mousoulides, N., Sriraman, B., & Christou, C. (2008). A Modeling Perspective in Mathematical Problem Solving. Mathematical Thinking and Learning, 10(3), 293304. Christou, C., & Papageorgiou, E. (2007). A framework of mathematics inductive reasoning. Learning and Instruction, 17(1), 55-66. Christou, C., Pittalis, M., K., Mousoulides, N. & Jones, K. (2007). Developing the 3DMath dynamic geometry software: theoretical perspectives on design. International Journal of Technology in Mathematics Education, 13(4), 168-174. Mousoulides, N., Sriraman, B., & Christou, C. (2007). From problem solving to Modelling: A meta analysis. Nordic Studies in Mathematics Education, 12(1), 2348. Mousoulides, N., Christou, C., & Sriraman, B. (2007). Modeling with data in primary and secondary school. In R.Lesh (Ed.), Mathematical Modeling Education and the Design Sciences (pp. 312-334). Chichester:Morwood Publishing.

Christou, C., Sendova, E., Matos, J-F., Jones, K., Zachariades, T., Pitta-Pantazi, D., Mousoulides, N., Pittalis, M., Boytchev, P., Mesquita, M., Chehlarova, T. & Lozanov, C. (2007), Stereometry Activities With DALEST. Nicosia, Cyprus: University of Cyprus. ISBN: 9789963671212 [also published in Bulgarian, ISBN: 9789963671267, Greek, ISBN:

9789963671205,

and

Portuguese, ISBN:

9789963671427]. Pittalis, M., Mousoulides, N., & Christou, C. (2007). Spatial ability as a predictor of geometry ability. Proceedings of the Fifth Conference of the European society for Research in Mathematics Education (Thematic Group 7). Cyprus: Larnaca. Christou, C., Pittalis, M., Mousoulides, N., Pitta, D., Jones, K., Sendova, E., & Boytchev, P. (2007). Developing an active learning environment for the learning of stereometry. Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Technology in Mathematics Teaching. University of Hradec Králové: Czech Republic. Mousoulides, N., Pittalis, M., Christou, C., Boytchev, P., Sriraman, B., & Pitta, D. (2007). Mathematical modelling using technology in elementary school. Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Technology in Mathematics Teaching. University of Hradec Králové: Czech Republic. Mousoulides, N., Sriraman, B., Pittalis, M., & Christou, C. (2007). Tracing students’ modeling processes in elementary and secondary school. Proceedings of the Fifth Conference of the European society for Research in Mathematics Education (Thematic Group 13). Cyprus: Larnaca. Christou C., Jones, K., Pitta-Pantazi, D., Pittalis, M., Mousoulides, N., Matos, J.F., Sendova, E., Zachariades, T., & Boytchev. P. (2007). Developing student spatial ability with 3-dimensional applications. Submitted to the 5th Conference of the European Society for Research in Mathematics Education. Larnaca: Cyprus. Mousoulides, N., Pittalis, M., & Christou, C. (2006). Improving Mathematical Knowledge through Modeling in Elementary Schools. The 30th International Conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education. Charles University, Prague.

Christou, C., Mousoulides, N., Pittalis, M., & Pitta-Pantazi, D. (2005). Problem solving and problem posing in a dynamic geometry environment. The Montana Mathematics Enthousiast, 2(2), 125-143. Christou, C., Mousoulides, N., Pittalis, M., Pitta-Pantazi, D, Sriraman, B. (2005). An empirical taxonomy of problem posing processes. Zentralblatt für Didaktik der Mathematik, 37(3), 149-158. Christou, C., Pittalis, M., Mousoulides, N., & Jones, K. (2005). Developing 3D dynamic geometry software: Theoretical perspectives on design. In F. Olivero & R. Sutherland (Eds.), Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Technology in Mathematics Teaching (Vol.1, pp. 69-77). Bristol, UK: University of Bristol. Christou, C., Mousoulides, N., Pittalis, M., & Pitta-Pantazi, D. (2005). Student, Classroom, and School Variables’ Effects on Mathematical Achievement. In J. Novotna (Ed.) International Symposium of Elementary Maths Teaching (Vol. 1, pp. 86-94). Prague: Czech Republic. Pittalis, M., Mousoulides, N., & Christou, C. (2005). Integrating technology in a mathematics cognitive intervention program. Proceedings of the Fourth Conference of the European society for Research in Mathematics Education (Thematic Group 9). Spain: Saint Feliu de Guixols. Christou, C., Mousoulides, N., Pittalis, M., & Pitta-Pantazi, D. (2005). Student, Classroom, and School Variables’ Effects on Mathematical Achievement. In J. Novotna (Ed.), International Symposium of Elementary Maths Teaching (Vol. 1, pp. 86-94). Prague: Czech Republic. Christou, C., Mousoulides, N., Pittalis, M., Pitta-Pantazi, D. (2004). Proofs through exploration in dynamic geometry environments. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 2(3), 339-352. Christou, C., Mousoulides, N., Pittalis, M., Pitta-Pantazi, D. (2004). Proofs through exploration in dynamic geometry environments. The 28th International Conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education (Vol. 2, pp 215-222). Bergen, Norway.

Pittalis, M., Christou, C., Mousoulides, N., & Pitta-Pantazi, D. (2004). A structural model for problem posing. The 28th International Conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education (Vol. 4, pp 49-56). Bergen, Norway. Christou, C., Papanastaciou, C., & Philippou, G., (2003). Elementary students’ results in TIMSS. Nicosia: University of Cyprus. Demetriou, A., Christou, C., Spanoudis, G., & Platsidou, M. (2002). Dynamic Interrelationships Among Processing Efficiency, Working Memory, and Problem Solving from 8 To 16 Years of Age: A Longitudinal Study. Monographs of the Society for Research in Child Development, 267. Christou, C., & Philippou, G. (2002). Mapping and development of intuitive proportional thinking. Mathematical Behavior, 20 (3), 321-336. Christou, C., Philippou, G., & Eliophotou, M. (2001). Preservice teachers’ self-esteem and mathematics achievement. Contemporary Educational Psychology 26(1), 4460. Demetriou, A., Spanoudis, G., Christou, C., & Platsidou, M. (2001). Modeling the Stroop phenomenon: processes, processing flow, and development, Cognitive Development 16(2), 987-1005. Philippou, G.N., & Christou, C. (2000). A preservice programme for primary teachers implemented in Greece and Cyprus. In J. Fauvel, & J. van Maanen (Eds.), What engine of wit: The ICMI study on history in mathematics education (pp. 91-142). Dordrecht: Kluwer. Christou, C., & Philippou, G. (1999). The role of schemas in one-step word problems. Educational Research and Evaluation, 5 (3), 269-289. Christou, C., & Philippou, G. (1998). The developmental nature of ability to solve onestep word problems. Journal for Research in Mathematics Education, 29 (4), 436442.

Christou, C., & Philippou, G. (1998). The effects of a preparatory mathematics program in changing prospective teachers` attitudes towards mathematics. Educational Studies in Mathematics, 35, (2), 189-206.