In this module we will explore many concepts supporting conceptual instruction of math from middle-elementary levels to lower-secondary level math. We help you teach not just how the math concepts work but why they work so students are empowered to engage! (Boaler, 2016)
If you are a math teacher in grades 4-8, if you struggle to find ways to make math learning relevant and conceptual, if you have some students that need a topic introduced in some other way, or if you are a little nervous about teaching math - this learning module is for you!
Below are the Parts of This Professional Learning Module and What Is Included in Each of the Eight Lesson Modules.
The activities will take you approximately 5 hours to complete, earning 0.5 CEU if most activities and videos are completed.
Teachers (Independently)
Can spend as much or as little time working through each lesson as the teacher sees fit
When breaking this PLM up into clusters, it is suggested to break up by foundational theories (learning modules 1-4) & content areas (learning modules 5-8)
Can work on PLM over the course of time (maybe incorporate it into the teacher's Professional Development Plan for the year). It is okay to start and come back!
Can use parts of the PLM for targeted areas of growth
Teachers (PLC)
Work through PLM during designed times
If breaking this PLM up into different sessions, it is suggested to focus on one module at a time but to complete the entire PLM within one school year
Use PLM as a whole over a period of time
Use specific learning module to target areas of needed growth
Use resources to implement conceptual learning activities by domains
Teacher Leaders/Administrators
Can present parts of PLM to PLCs or teachers according to areas of need to promote teacher growth
Can utilize research and resources to develop/revamp district resources
What is being Math Proficient? — What is Conceptual Math?
What is Rigor in Math? — Vertical Progression of Math Standards
Expressions and Equations — Ratios & Proportions
The Number System — Geometry
The Goals of this professional learning module are:
to give math teachers tools to help students learn math concepts more readily.
to assist math anxious teachers in building their own conceptual confidence.
The Objectives are:
help teachers think of how deeper understanding of math concepts builds schemas
help teachers define what math proficiency is, what it looks like.
show ways to increase rigor in the classroom, without just making it harder (Boaler, 2016).
show how to increase productive struggle - for students (Boaler, 2016; Dweck, 2016).
show how skills connect vertically across grade levels (achievethecore.org, n.d.)
to show how lower-level skills impact future skills and where misconceptions occur (Siegler et al., 2012)
show how to build conceptual understanding of key mathematical concepts: the Number System, Expressions & Equations, Geometry, and Ratios and Proportions, so students can apply these core concepts in higher level math situations. (Siegler et al., 2012)
About the Authors
Rebecca is the Middle School Math instructional coach for Brunswick County. She has taught Math 1, Math 2, & Math 3. She has been in education for 11 years. She earned her Mathematics Education degree from Appalachian State and a Master's degree in Secondary Math Education at UNCC. While at GWU, Rebecca's focus is understanding the effects of growth mindset strategies in the secondary math classroom on advanced honors level students.
email: rc78995@gmail.com
After spending 10 years in the classroom, Heather transitioned into her current role as a math curriculum consultant who provides guidance and training for math teachers in K-12 in NC and NY. Heather received her Masters in Mathematics Education and Higher Education from the University of North Carolina - Greensboro and is currently licensed K-12 in mathematics. Heather's focus while at GWU is on understanding how coaching and data literacy impacts teacher efficacy and student achievement.
email: hcthomas2008@gmail.com
Barbara is an adjunct instructor in Transitional Studies at A-B Tech Community College and College & Career Readiness at Isothermal Community College, preparing students for a high school equivalency (GED and HiSET) teaching levels of math from 3rd grade to NC high school Math 3. Barbara's focus is on understanding how math anxiety affects student math performance, thus affecting ability to graduate high-school.
email: jbbaclarke@hotmail.com
Now click on "Challenge & Initial Thoughts" to consider the challenges math teachers have in conceptualizing math!