Middle School Mathematics in a Teaching Context with Instructional
Technology
Math 520
Middle School Mathematics in a Teaching Context with Instructional Technology provides a unique opportunity for teachers. University classes for this course in the ADEPT sequence involve exploring curriculum that align with state and national standards in mathematics. These lessons can easily be used in a middle school mathematics teacher’s classroom the next day.
A typical university class would begin with a group work activity to answer a question on the Praxis Middle School Mathematics test for mathematics review; followed by working on a middle school mathematics activity using one function of a graphing calculator; then completing a short session in the computer lab to investigate an interactive activity on the NCTM Illuminations web site; and then participating in a middle school mathematics lesson from a nationally reviewed middle school curriculum project that aligns the curriculum with national standards in mathematics.
In Spring, 2003 a lesson was taught to the ADEPT teachers in each of the following three nationally reviewed middle school curriculum projects: Connected Mathematics Project, Mathematics in Context, and MathScape. Teachers then looked online on at www.showmecenter.missouri.edu and www.mmmproject.org for sample lessons and video with transcripts. Teachers responded to guiding questions. Using Japanese “lesson study in mathematics” findings were reviewed. In addition, teachers examined hard copy textbooks in these series.
Examples of standards based curriculum were examined in the
NCTM Illuminations web site relating the interactive electronic examples and
applets. Technology applications were explored using probes, electronic data
collection devices and instructional software such as Inspiration used in
curriculum design. A variety of
calculator-based laboratories were completed, stressing the discovery-based
learning approach.
After examining electronic and textbook examples, teachers developed a long-range plan based on their study of these curricula. Most teachers stated that they know they need to include real life applications and draw on the many resources online to support their instruction.
Other reflections: