PD “Mini” Course TITLE: MATH PRACTICES FORUM
Intended participants: K-5 TEACHERS, SPECIAL ED, ELL
Instructor(s): VICKY KHERLOPIAN
DESCRIPTION: The purpose of the mini course is to begin an inquiry into
mathematics teaching and learning through investigations how children learn
mathematics in the areas of whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and geometry.
We will learn what it means to understand mathematics deeply in these areas
and begin to learn to see the relationships and connections within and
between mathematical concepts.
The core questions we will investigate: To teach Mathematics through a study
of six dimensions of mathematics teaching and learning that encompass the
vision of current reforms in mathematics education.
Creating a classroom environment that is conductive for mathematical
learning
Using appropriate Mathematical tasks
Using appropriate mathematical tools
Understanding the role of teacher student discussions using
mathematical language
Understanding the role of student input in discussions
Assessing mathematical thinking.
Session 1: September 23
Main Topic:
Goals and Topics:
- Personal experiences and beliefs how mathematics should be learned
and taught.
- How do we assess the children’s mathematical thinking?
- How do we gather information about student’s mathematical
understanding?
- How does assessment relate to teaching?
Learning Activities:
- Based on the first chapters of Think Math
- Grade level team discussions
- Investigations and problem solving
Resources:
- Teacher resources in Think Math Curriculum
- Children’s books supporting math chapters
Preparation for next session:
- Reading the teacher resources of the next chapters “Number Sense”.
Session 2: October 28
Main Topic:
Goals and Topics:
- What is number sense?
- Discussion about number and numeral
- How do children learn addition and subtraction?
- How do children think about multiplication and division?
- Similarities and differences understanding the four operations.
Learning Activities:
- Based on the chapters we teach from Think Math
Resources:
- Use the teacher resources
- Reading articles
Preparation for next session:
- Bring actual student work samples to discuss mathematical
understanding.
Session 3: November (2 Hours – Part of Full Day PD)
Main Topic:
Goals and Topics: Using strategies to solidify relationships between
operations.
- Relationships among addition, subtraction and multiplication,
division.
- What strategies and algorithm do students invent to solve problems?
- Place Value
- Direct modeling strategies
Learning Activities:
- Using actual student work samples to investigate and discuss
Resources:
- Classroom work
- Think Math assessments
- Re teaching and enrichment lessons
Preparation for next session:
- Collect student work samples to discuss in grade level teams
Session 4: December 16
Main Topic:
Goals and Topics:
- What is Fraction?
- How do children learn fraction best?
- Discuss fractional parts, fractional models and representations.
Learning Activities:
- How do we approach fraction in elementary schools?
- How do we teach fractions in Think Math program?
Resources:
- Use Think Math teacher resource parts
- Compare other sources and approaches to teach fractions.
Preparation for next session:
- Bring different kinds of word problems you have used.
Session 5: January 20
Main Topic: Asthma Basics for Schools
Main Topic:
Goals and Topics: Fractions and everyday word problems
- The role of the teacher, student, the task and the manipulative used.
- Assessing problem –based task setting.
- Value of teaching through problem solving.
Learning Activities:
- Problem-based task solutions
Resources:
- Using Think Math word problems
- Multi-step problem solving
- Using math language to understand given word problem
Preparation for next session:
- Representations to problems
Session 6: February 24
Main Topic:
Goals and Topics:
- How do we teach mathematics to all children?
- Do estimations help students evaluate their answers?
- How can we help students conceptualize fractions?
Learning Activities:
- Exploring different approaches to teach fractions
Resources:
- Different math textbooks
- Think Math approach for fraction lessons
Preparation for next session:
- Decimals, fractions and percentage
Session 7: March 31
Main Topic:
Goals and Topics:
- Relationship between fractions and decimals
- Relationship between decimals and percentage
- How can children develop number sense with decimals?
Learning Activities:
- Investigate the lessons and how they can help to develop the concepts
Resources:
- Think Math chapters and lessons and prioritize.
- Use real life examples to use decimals, fractions and percent.
Preparation for next session:
- What is Geometry?
Session 8: April 28
Main Topic:
Goals and Topics:
- How do we think geometrically?
- What are the van Hiele levels of geometry?
- Why is it important to study geometry?
Learning Activities:
- Examples of special relationships
Resources:
- Develop the concept of area and perimeter
- Use Think Math zoo shapes and discuss attributes
Preparation for next session:
- Measurement in metric and English system
Session 9: May 19
Main Topic:
Goals and Topics:
- Conversions in measurement
- How to help student understanding and everyday use of measurement
units
- What are beginning algebraic concepts?
- The roll of Patterns in learning algebra
- How can students understand variables?
Learning Activities:
- Converting measurement units
- Understanding metric system
Resources:
- Use patterns to understand algebraic concepts
- Investigate everyday algebra in our life.
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Preparation for next session:
- How do students respect each others mathematical ideas????
- Conduct a survey
Session 10: June 16
Main Topic:
Goals and Topics:
- How do students learn to discuss mathematical ideas?
- The teacher’s role to pose questions to elicit student responses
- The students feel challenged and engaged
- Hoe does the teacher decide which student’s idea to pursue?
Teachers assign interactive sites to encourage student learning and practice.
Learning Activities:
- Engaging questions and discussions to promote mathematical thinking.
Resources:
- Think math sites, Rainforest math, PBS math.
Preparation for next session:
- Reflections
Final projects due June 16, 2010