School Mathematics in a Changing World CHAPTER 1 Tina Rye Sloan To accompany Helping Children Learn Math9e, Reys et al. ©2009 John Wiley & Sons
1. What is mathematics? 2. What determines the mathematics currently taught? 3. What is the role of the NCTM’s six principles in school mathematics? 4. What resources are available to help you continue developing your knowledge of mathematics and the learning and teaching of mathematics? Reys/ Lindquist/ Lamdin/ Smith, Helping Children Learn Math, 9 th Edition, © 2009 Focus Questions
What is Mathematics? a study of patterns and relationships a way of thinking an art a language a tool Reys/ Lindquist/ Lamdin/ Smith, Helping Children Learn Math, 9 th Edition, © 2009
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. Reys/ Lindquist/ Lamdin/ Smith, Helping Children Learn Math, 9 th Edition, © 2009 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 Reys/ Lindquist/ Lamdin/ Smith, Helping Children Learn Math, 9 th Edition, © 2009
NCTM Principles for School Mathematics 1.Equity Principle 2.Curriculum Principle 3.Teaching Principle 4.Learning Principle 5.Assessment Principle 6.Technology Principle Principles and Standards for School Mathematics National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 2000 Reys/ Lindquist/ Lamdin/ Smith, Helping Children Learn Math, 9 th Edition, © 2009
Equity Principle Excellence in mathematics education requires equity– high expectations and strong support for all students. Reys/ Lindquist/ Lamdin/ Smith, Helping Children Learn Math, 9 th Edition, © 2009
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. Reys/ Lindquist/ Lamdin/ Smith, Helping Children Learn Math, 9 th Edition, © 2009
Teaching Principle Effective mathematics teaching requires understanding what students know and need to learn and then challenging and supporting them to learn it well. Reys/ Lindquist/ Lamdin/ Smith, Helping Children Learn Math, 9 th Edition, © 2009
Learning Principle Students must learn mathematics with understanding, actively building new knowledge from experience and prior knowledge. Reys/ Lindquist/ Lamdin/ Smith, Helping Children Learn Math, 9 th Edition, © 2009
Assessment Principle Assessment should support the learning of important mathematics and furnish useful information to both teachers and students. Reys/ Lindquist/ Lamdin/ Smith, Helping Children Learn Math, 9 th Edition, © 2009
Technology Principle Technology is essential in teaching and learning mathematics; it influences the mathematics that is taught and enhances students’ learning. Reys/ Lindquist/ Lamdin/ Smith, Helping Children Learn Math, 9 th Edition, © 2009
Major Trends in Mathematics Education by Decades Decade Event Reaction/Trend 1960s Sputnik New Math Space Race 1970s Poor Basic Back-to-Basics Skills 1980s Poor Problem Solving Problem Solving Reys/ Lindquist/ Lamdin/ Smith, Helping Children Learn Math, 9 th Edition, © 2009
Major Trends in Mathematics Education (cont.) Decade_ Event Reaction/Trend 1990s Poor Standards and Achievement Assessment 2000s Achievement Accountability for Gaps, NCLB All Where do we go from here? Reys/ Lindquist/ Lamdin/ Smith, Helping Children Learn Math, 9 th Edition, © 2009
Where Can You Turn? Resources for Teachers National Guidelines for School Mathematics State and Local Guidelines Research Cultural and International Resources History Reys/ Lindquist/ Lamdin/ Smith, Helping Children Learn Math, 9 th Edition, © 2009
Where Can You Turn? Resources for Teachers (cont.) Textbooks and Other Materials Electronic Materials Professional Organizations Professional Development Other Teachers Reys/ Lindquist/ Lamdin/ Smith, Helping Children Learn Math, 9 th Edition, © 2009
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. Reys/ Lindquist/ Lamdin/ Smith, Helping Children Learn Math, 9 th Edition, © 2009
References National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (2000). Principles and Standards for School Mathematics, Reston: Virginia Reys/ Lindquist/ Lamdin/ Smith, Helping Children Learn Math, 9 th Edition, © 2009