School Mathematics in a Changing World Chapter 1 School Mathematics in a Changing World To accompany Helping Children Learn Math Cdn Ed, Reys et al. ©2010 John Wiley & Sons Canada Ltd.  

Guiding Questions 1. What is mathematics? 2. What is your view of mathematics? 3. What determines the mathematics currently taught? 4. What principles guide the school mathematics program in your province? 5. What resources are available to help you continue developing your knowledge of mathematics and the learning and teaching of mathematics?

What is Mathematics? a study of patterns and relationships a way of thinking an art a language a tool Master 1-1: What is Mathematics?

NCTM (2000) Content Standards Figure 1-1 shows how the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) envisions the distribution of mathematics content from pre-kindergarten through Grade 12. Source: Principles and Standards for School Mathematics, p. 30, copyright 2000 by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. All Rights Reserved.

What Determines the Mathematics Being Taught? Needs of the subject Needs of the child Needs of society Master 1-2: Factors That Influence the Mathematics Curriculum

NCTM Principles for School Mathematics Equity Principle Curriculum Principle Teaching Principle Learning Principle Assessment Principle Technology Principle Master 1-3: Principles for School Mathematics Principles and Standards for School Mathematics National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 2000

Equity Principle Excellence in mathematics education requires equity– high expectations and strong support for all students.

Curriculum Principle A curriculum is more than a collection of activities; it must be coherent, focused on important mathematics, and well articulated across the grades.

Teaching Principle Effective mathematics teaching requires understanding what students know and need to learn and then challenging and supporting them to learn it well.

Learning Principle Students must learn mathematics with understanding, actively building new knowledge from experience and prior knowledge.

Assessment Principle Assessment should support the learning of important mathematics and furnish useful information to both teachers and students.

Technology Principle Technology is essential in teaching and learning mathematics; it influences the mathematics that is taught and enhances students’ learning.

Major Trends in Mathematics Education by Decades Master 1-4: Trends in Mathematics Education Where do we go from here?

Where Can You Turn? Resources for Teachers Provincial and Local Guidelines Research Cultural and International Resources (including the NCTM Principles and Standards documents) History Master 1-5: Resources for Teachers

Where Can You Turn? Resources for Teachers (cont.) Textbooks and Other Materials Electronic Materials Professional Organizations Professional Development Other Teachers Master 1-5: Resources for Teachers

What is Your Role Now? Examine your own disposition toward mathematics and your beliefs about who can learn mathematics. Remember that teaching means helping students learn, not merely disseminating information. Realize that doing mathematics and teaching mathematics are different.

References National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (2000). Principles and Standards for School Mathematics, Reston: Virginia

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