A Mind for Mathematics: Meaningful Teaching and Learning in Elementary Classrooms (Useful Classroom Tactics and Examples for K-6 Math) - Softcover

Nanci N Smith

9781943874002: A Mind for Mathematics: Meaningful Teaching and Learning in Elementary Classrooms (Useful Classroom Tactics and Examples for K-6 Math)

Softcover

ISBN 10: 194387400X ISBN 13: 9781943874002

Publisher: Solution Tree, 2016

What does it take to be a good mathematics teacher who actively engages students and addresses learning differences? Gain a mental picture of an effective mathematics learning environment and why it must be founded on growth mindset principles. This easy-to-read text breaks down the complex components of mathematics teaching and divides them into practical strategies. Combining mathematics research, useful tactics, and examples from K-6 classrooms, the book includes reflection questions, action tasks, and activities to inspire and engage mathematical minds.

Benefits:

LEARN HOW TO USE DIFFERENT TYPES OF ASSESSMENTS to advance student learning and inform mathematics instruction.

OBSERVE SPECIFIC CLASSROOM EXAMPLES and vignettes that illustrate the mathematical concepts covered in each chapter.
LEARN THE CHARACTERISTICS OF HIGH-QUALITY, RIGOROUS TASKS that engage students in learning mathematics.
GET ADVICE ON BALANCING TEACHING RESPONSIBILITIES and making sound plans for teaching mathematics, including communicating with students' families.
INFLUENCE STUDENTS TO WORK HARD, grapple with challenging problems, and ultimately value mathematics.

Contents:

About the Author

Introduction

1. Creating the Mathematical Environment
2. Engaging Mathematical Minds
3. Reaching Different Mathematical Minds
4. Challenging Student Mathematicians
5. Monitoring Mathematical Assessment
6. Balancing It All

References and Resources

Index

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

About the Author:

Nanci Smith, PhD, has 14 years of experience as a consultant. She specializes in mathematics, curriculum and assessment development and implementation, Common Core State Standards, and differentiated instruction, and has worked with schools and districts in 45 states and 9 countries.

Dr. Smith has presented at conferences around the world, including Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. In addition to providing professional development, she has conducted mathematics program and curriculum audits for numerous districts across the United States.

A former high school and university-level mathematics teacher, she has also taught differentiated instruction as a master's course at Arizona State and Northern Arizona universities and for teachers at the Singapore American International School through Buffalo State University. Dr. Smith is nationally board certified in adolescent and young-adult mathematics. She is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics, and secretary of the Arizona Association of Teachers of Mathematics.

Dr. Smith received a BS in mathematics education from Grand Canyon University, an MAEd in curriculum and instruction from University of Phoenix, and a PhD in mathematics education from Arizona State University.

Review:

In A Mind for Mathematics, Smith provides a comprehensive and challenging journey, but it is important to know that she is also a teacher s teacher. She is a master teacher, coach, and trainer who understands this important work from the inside out, and she makes this book accessible because of her passion for how mathematics can open new worlds that are relevant, genuinely intriguing, and that increase mathematical success for all students. --Mark Boyer, Assistant Superintendent for Learning

In A Mind for Mathematics, Nanci Smith offers an easy-to-read, easy-to-implement book to help teachers navigate the teaching of K�6 mathematics. She not only provides great task selection approaches and classroom strategies but also the research and practice base on which these approaches are founded. The belief in meaningful, important mathematics taught and learned with understanding by all students comes across as very achievable through her many practical strategies. --Billie Earl Sparks, PhD, Professor of Mathematics, Emeritus, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

In A Mind for Mathematics, Nanci Smith has written a must have book for classroom teachers who want to bring enthusiasm and excitement into their mathematics lessons! This teacher-friendly book illuminates the pathway for teachers to create classrooms where students are actively engaged in learning. Each chapter addresses a specific question or topic that most of us face as mathematics teachers as well as supporting research. This is not a mathematics textbook but rather a how do I make my classroom come alive when I teach mathematics? handbook. When using this book, teachers will feel the author coaching from the side, urging them along and reassuring them. I am so happy that Smith finally wrote this book. If you ever attended one of her workshops, you always leave wanting more! And now, it is here! A Mind for Mathematics is the handbook for teachers and administrators on teaching and learning mathematics."

--Regina Newman, Retired Mathematics Teacher and Director of Mathematics, North Shore Schools, Glen Head, New York

Every teacher of mathematics, from the elementary grades to the university level, should read this book and act on its recommendations. The result will likely be engaged students, enhanced learning, and more confident problem solvers for life.

--Jay McTighe, Co-author, Understanding by Design�

A Mind for Mathematics is about teaching mathematics in rich, meaningful ways and doing so while proactively contributing to the success of a wide array of learners. Rooted in the considerable classroom experience of the author, this book provides clear and actionable guidance for teaching mathematics, accompanied by examples that make the ideas visible. This is a stellar resource for teachers who aspire to make mathematics a positive force in the minds and lives of their students. --Carol Ann Tomlinson, EdD, William Clay Parrish, Jr. Professor, University of Virginia

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.