Math Expressions: Developing Student Thinking and Problem Solving Through Communication

Research is clear: communication is an essential mathematical process. This book provides all the tools to make communication come alive and to ensure the classroom is a vibrant, collaborative learning environment. Centred around three main sections–Mathematical Discourse, Reading in Mathematics, and Writing in Mathematics–Dr. Cathy Marks Krpan provides practical suggestions on how to create such an environment.
Each section includes:

• What the Research Says
• Collaborative Skills and Structures
• Teaching Strategies
• Assessment Tips
• Supports for English Language Learners
• Canadian Student Samples with modelled Teacher Feedback
• Line Masters and a Companion Website 

Cathy Marks Krpan, Ph.D. teaches courses in the Initial Teacher Education Program and graduate program at the Ontario Institute for the Studies in Education (OISE) of the University of Toronto. Cathy is passionate about seeing students learn—all students! And at the core of this passion lies a deep belief in the power of communication as an essential tool to enhance understanding, improve problem solving, and create a community of learners. Based on her research with diverse student populations, and her classroom experiences as an educator and student, Cathy believes that at the heart of all equitable math classrooms is the empowerment of student voices. It is her hope that all students will have the opportunity to share their insights and be part of a supportive mathematical community in which they feel comfortable taking risks and conducting mathematical investigations.

Cathy’s many speaking engagements and consultations across North America have provided her with numerous opportunities to collaborate and learn from students, teachers, and administrators alike. Her research over the past ten years has focused on student communication, graphic organizers, and the development of metacognition and collaboration skills. In addition, she is currently investigating teaching strategies to assist English Language Learners and those who struggle in mathematics. Since her research is field-based, she continues to collaborate closely with students and teachers in the field.

Cathy is the recipient of several OISE Student Union Initial Teacher Education Teaching Awards. She has also been nominated for the OISE Award for Excellence in Initial Teacher Education, 2011, 2012. Dr. Marks Krpan has authored numerous publications, including The Write Math, My Math Journal, BoldPrint books, and a set of math readers, co-authored with Larry Swartz, which received the 2006 American Teachers’ Choice Award.

Her current book, Math Expressions (2013), is a tribute to the many learning interactions in her teaching, speaking, and researching. It is an extension of her passion, and brings with it the hope that you will find the research compelling, the instructional strategies insightful, and the activities helpful and even transformative for both you and your students.