Learning Math: Number and Operations - Meanings and Models for Operations
In this course, educators will examine the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division and their relationships to whole numbers. Some of the laws that govern these operations and the use of mathematical models to reinforce the algorithms will be discussed.
Learning Math: Number and Operations - Divisibility Tests and Factors
This course introduces some topics related to number theory. Number theory allows us to consider why mathematics works the way it does. Educators will work with "Alpha math" problems to explore relationships among numbers, which is an important part of thinking about mathematics. This course also looks at divisibility tests and why they work, then moves on to examine factors.
Learning Math: Number and Operations - Number Theory
As part of the exploration of number theory, this course will examine two models for finding least common multiples and greatest common factors: the Venn diagram model and the area model. Later in the session, educators will explore prime and composite numbers.
Learning Math: Number and Operations - Fractions and Decimals
This course explores the relationships between fractions and decimals and learn how to convert fractions to decimals and decimals to fractions. Educators will also learn to predict which fractions will have terminating decimal representations and which will have repeating decimal representations.
Learning Math: Number and Operations - Rational Numbers and Proportional Reasoning
This course will look at ways to interpret, model and work with rational numbers. Educators will also analyze proportional reasoning and the difference between absolute and relative thinking, and explore ways to represent proportional relationships and the resulting operations with ratios.
Learning Math: Number and Operations - Fractions, Percents, and Ratios
This course looks at several topics related to fractions, percents, and ratios. More specifically, educators will look at graphical and geometric representations of these topics, as well as some of their applications in the physical world.
Learning Math: Number and Operations - Case Studies (Grades K-2)
In the previous sessions, you explored number and operations as a mathematics learner, both to analyze your own approach to solving problems and to gain some insight into your personal conception of number and operations. It may have been difficult to separate your thinking as a mathematics learner from your thinking as a mathematics teacher -- most teachers think about teaching as they are learning and think about learning as they are teaching. In this session, we shift the focus to your own classroom and to the approaches your students might take to mathematical tasks involving number and operations concepts.
Learning Math: Number and Operations - Case Studies (Grades 3-5)
In the previous sessions, you explored number and operations as a mathematics learner, both to analyze your own approach to solving problems and to gain some insight into your personal conception of number and operations. It may have been difficult to separate your thinking as a mathematics learner from your thinking as a mathematics teacher -- most teachers think about teaching as they are learning and think about learning as they are teaching. In this session, we shift the focus to your own classroom and to the approaches your students might take to mathematical tasks involving number and operations concepts.
Learning Math: Number and Operations - Case Studies (Grades 6-8)
In this course, educators will examine how number and operations concepts from the previous nine sessions might look when applied to situations in the classroom, focusing on the approaches students might take to mathematical tasks involving number and operations concepts. This course is specific to Grades Six through Eight.
The Missing Link: Essential Concepts for Middle School Math Teachers - Proportionality and Similar Figures
In each pair of one-hour workshops, Master Teacher Jan Robinson and Workshop Guide Shannon C'de Baca lead a group of "learner teachers" as they investigate a series of hands-on problems. Short visits to schools in Illinois show how the lessons work in actual middle school classrooms. After taking the lessons back to their own classes, the learner teachers return to the studio a few months later to discuss their experiences and learn new instructional and assessment techniques.