Teaching Mathematics in the Middle School Classroom: Strategies That Work

By M. Warnasuriya

This book discusses research-based strategies that middle school mathematics teachers can incorporate into their classroom instruction to help students succeed. Some of these strategies are encouraging exploration and investigation using students’ prior knowledge and using multiple representations to illustrate mathematical ideas, making learning relevant to real-life, cross-curricular integration, integrating culture into mathematics teaching and learning, encouraging oral and written discourse, and incorporating technology, cooperative learning, and peer tutoring. The book also introduces key aspects in successful mathematics teaching such as instructional planning, standards, assessments, student strengths, classroom management, professional development, administrative practices, and parent and community support. Implementing the strategies described in this book will allow teachers to create effective mathematics lessons that would result in engaging classroom environments and maximized student achievement outcomes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Aug 27, 2018
• ISBN: 9781984549075

M. Warnasuriya

Muditha Warnasuriya holds a doctorate in education and has contributed to a variety of reader audiences. Her works range from inspirational picture books for children, stories for young readers, educational research, and suspense/horror fiction for adults. Some of these books are Beyond These Walls, The Villa, and Imagine If . . . She lives in Los Angeles, California. Website: www.warnasuriyabooks.com

Book preview

Copyright © 2018 by M. Warnasuriya.

ISBN:                  Softcover                  978-1-9845-4906-8

                            eBook                        978-1-9845-4907-5

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 08/25/2018

Xlibris

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

784273

Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1 the effective middle school mathematics educator

Chapter 2 Effective Mathematics Instruction

Chapter 3 Encouraging Mathematics Exploration and Investigation

Chapter 4 Using Students’ Prior Knowledge

Chapter 5 Using Multiple Representations to Illustrate Mathematical Ideas

Chapter 6 Making Mathematics Learning Relevant to Real Life

Chapter 7 Integrating Mathematics to Other Content Areas

Chapter 8 Integrating Culture into the Curriculum

Chapter 9 Encouraging Oral and Written Discourse in Mathematics

Chapter 10 Technology Integration

Chapter 11 Using Cooperative Learning

Chapter 12 Using Peer Tutoring

References

Dedicated to all students who I have had

the pleasure to teach….

Introduction

Today’s intensely diverse public school classroom is a mirror image of the cultural pluralism that is representative of the United States. Students come from a variety of backgrounds and are equipped with distinct learning styles and capabilities. Their strengths and skills are assets within the learning environment. A classroom atmosphere that centers upon students’ learning styles and strengths yields optimal academic development and success. This is particularly true in mathematics learning.

As a discipline, mathematics requires the ability to critically think, apply logical reasoning, draw connections between concepts and the world around, and problem solve. Mathematics education therefore needs to focus on these aspects as they are critical for advancement. In addition to the above named features, teaching mathematics and its various disciplines must center on the many of ways in which students learn. Instruction that is learner centered in such a manner facilitates the acquisition of content knowledge and skills. These are necessary if a student is to attain higher levels of thinking and learning. As teachers place emphasis on mastery of content standards, skills, and incorporating student strengths into their daily instructional routines, the classroom atmosphere is transformed into a place where learning and exploration blossoms.

Successful mathematics learning within the middle school grade levels is a stepping stone for achievement in secondary and post-secondary mathematics education. It is essential that today’s students demonstrate a high degree of skill in mathematics in order to compete successfully in the world-wide economy (California Mathematics Framework, 2000). As the competition for the job market becomes intense, a strong mathematical foundation leads to better job opportunities (Wang, 2003). The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (2000) indicates that the need to understand and be able to use mathematics in everyday life and in the workplace has never been greater (p.4). Thus the impact of mathematics education has ripple effects upon the success of the individual and the nation