Windows on Teaching Math: Cases of Middle and Secondary Classrooms, Facilitator's Guide

Cases, while always interesting to read, are more effective when discussed under the guidance of a skillful leader. Because many educators are new to the case method of instruction, particularly in the subject area of secondary mathematics, this facilitator’s guide is an essential companion to Windows on Teaching Math: Cases of Middle and Secondary Classrooms. In this guide, Katherine Merseth provides specific teaching notes that correspond to each case, helping educators to successfully use Windows on Teaching Math in a teacher education course or professional development workshop.

Windows on Teaching Math: Cases of Middle and Secondary Classrooms: Facilitator’s Guide:

• Discusses key factors that influence the success or failure of a case discussion, including the role of the facilitator, the role of the students, the preparation of the case prior to the discussion, the discussion process itself, and the physical layout of the room.
• Offers advice to help facilitators establish a safe environment where participants feel comfortable raising a range of comments, questions, and personal beliefs, including a variety of techniques to encourage quieter students to contribute.
• Includes suggested process questions for each case that cover mathematical concepts, pedagogy, assessment of student thinking, and context.
• Lists additional articles, chapters, or books relevant to the particular case for those who want to explore certain topics in greater depth.

Katherine K. Merseth is the Director of Teacher Education and Senior Lecturer at Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts.