1st Edition

Where's the Wonder in Elementary Math? Encouraging Mathematical Reasoning in the Classroom

By Judith McVarish Copyright 2008
    196 Pages 20 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    200 Pages 20 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    This book argues that even in today's high-stakes testing environment, 'teaching to the test' need not be teachers’ only focus as they introduce young children to mathematics. Judith McVarish demonstrates how building a community of learners and using problem solving to engage students can help teachers encourage students’ disposition to creative thinking and reasoning—skills that can otherwise become lost due to the pressure of the many other expectations placed upon both teachers and students. This book offers strategies for infusing mathematics learning and reasoning into elementary school classrooms while meeting curriculum and testing mandates. The teacher researcher component of each chapter provides a vehicle for teachers to bring their own expertise and questions back into the teaching and learning equation.

    Series Editor Introduction

    Chapter 1: SETTING THE STAGE

    Chapter 2: What Does the Room Teach?

    Chapter 3: Who Asks the Questions – Who Answers Them?

    Chapter 4: TUNING TRANSITIOINS TO A NEW KEY

    chapter 5: What is real about homework?

    Chapter 6: de-fanging the test

    Chapter 7: how can we take critical thinking beond the classroom?

    CHAPTER 8: what do parents know?

    Chapter 9: Is thinking about thinking just a play on words?

    Biography

    Judith McVarish is Assistant Professor of Mathematics Education at St. John’s University.

    "This book does a great job of not only encouraging parents, teachers, and students to take up the fight to engage in mathematics, but also providing practical activities and strategies that would help with the battle...I would recommend that anyone connected to education, specifically to mathematics education, read and reflect on this book."--Janet D. Wansick, MAA Reviews (2008)