Mathematics for Elementary Teachers

The goal of this text is to provide prospective elementary teachers with a deep understanding of the mathematics they will be called on to teach. Through a careful, mathematically precise development of concepts, this text asks that students go beyond simply knowing how to carry out mathematical procedures. Students must also be able to explain why mathematics works the way it does. Being able to explain why is a vital skill for teachers. Through activities, examples and applications, the author expects students to write and solve problems, make sense of the mathematics, and write clear, logical explanations of the mathematical concepts. The accompanying Activities Manual promotes engagement, exploration, and discussion of the material, rather than passive absorption. Both students and instructors should find this material fun, interesting, and rewarding.

Sybilla Beckmann has an undergraduate degree in mathematics from Brown University and a PhD in mathematics from the University of Pennsylvania. She taught and did research in mathematics at Yale University for 2 years. Since then, she has been at the University of Georgia.

When she had children, she became very interested in helping prospective teachers understand and appreciate the mathematics they will teach. This interest led to her book. She enjoys playing the piano, weaving, going to concerts of classical music, and traveling with her family.