Answers to Your Biggest Questions About Teaching Secondary Math
Five to Thrive [series]
- Frederick L. Dillon - Ideastream, Cleveland Area Public Broadcasting System
- Ayanna D. Perry
- Andrea Cheng
- Jennifer Outzs
Corwin Mathematics Series
Let’s face it, teaching secondary math can be hard. So much about how we teach math today may look and feel different from how we learned it. Teaching math in a student-centered way changes the role of the teacher from one who traditionally “delivers knowledge” to one who fosters thinking. Most importantly, we must ensure our practice gives each and every student the opportunity to learn, grow, and achieve at high levels, while providing opportunities to develop their agency and authority in the classroom which results in a positive math identity.
Whether you are a brand new teacher or a veteran, if you find teaching math to be quite the challenge, this is the guide you want by your side. Designed for just-in-time learning and support, this practical resource gives you brief, actionable answers to your most pressing questions about teaching secondary math. Written by four experienced math educators representing diverse experiences, these authors offer the practical advice they wish they received years ago, from lessons they've learned over decades of practice, research, coaching, and through collaborating with teams, teachers and colleagues—especially new teachers—every day.
Questions and answers are organized into five areas of effort that will help you most thrive in your secondary math classroom:
- How do I build a positive math community?
- How do I structure, organize, and manage my math class?
- How do I engage my students in math?
- How do I help my students talk about math?
- How do I know what my students know and move them forward?
Woven throughout, you'll find helpful sidebar notes on fostering identity and agency; access and equity; teaching in different settings; and invaluable resources for deeper learning. The final question—Where do I go from here?— offers guidance for growing your practice over time. Strive to become the best math educator you can be; your students are counting on it! What will be your first step on the journey?
This book is incredibly helpful to understand key ideas and practices for new international teachers. The book gives a very efficient and easy-to understand overview of critical questions a teacher can have while teaching high school mathematics. As a mathematics educator, I would definitely recommend this book to my senior mathematics teachers, reading and reflecting on the questions in the book will support their readiness and transition into being a teacher.
Answers to Your Biggest Questions About Teaching Secondary Math employs a strengths-based approach to promote high-quality secondary mathematics teaching. The authors draw from a wealth of experiences to offer practitioners activities and resources to engage students in the mathematics teaching and learning dynamic. This book is an invaluable resource for advancing accessible approaches to bolster student agency in mathematics classrooms.
Answers to Your Biggest Questions About Teaching Secondary Math provides guidance to middle and high school teachers who are trying to change the nature of the way math is taught and learned in their classrooms. From how to build a classroom community to how to assess and advance student learning, the five key questions focus on essential elements required to create an environment in which each and every student can flourish. The practical advice provided reflects the cumulative experience and wisdom of the author team and is sure to resonate with teachers.
Teaching is complex! This book helps break that complexity into manageable approaches. As someone who has been leading professional development for over 20 years, this book helped me consider new and important ways to think about common questions and dilemmas teachers encounter every day. If your focus is on developing a more equitable classroom then this book is for you!
This book does an excellent job formalizing a comprehensive approach to creating an environment in the mathematics classrooms that promotes equity, access, and a voice to all learners. I highly recommend this book to all mathematics teachers— beginning and experienced—and teacher educators, as it provides a blueprint for effective mathematics instruction.
