A Focus on Fractions: Bringing Mathematics Education Research to the Classroom

The third edition of this book offers a unique approach to making mathematics education research on the teaching and learning of fraction concepts readily accessible and understandable to pre-service and in-service K-8 mathematics teachers. It provides teachers with a research-based lens to interpret evidence of student thinking, inform instruction, and improve student learning. Two new chapters are dedicated to understanding the OGAP Fraction Framework and Progression, and 180+ annotated pieces of student work are included to help teachers recognize, assess, and monitor their students' errors and misconceptions. The book also discusses decimal fractions and how Common Core State Standards for Math are supported by math education research.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 12 July 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The third edition of this book takes a groundbreaking approach to making mathematics education research on teaching and learning fraction concepts accessible and understandable to pre-service and in-service K-8 mathematics teachers. By unveiling students' thought processes through extensive annotated samples of student work and vignettes that mirror the experiences of classroom teachers, this book offers a research-based lens for teachers to interpret evidence of student thinking, inform instruction, and ultimately enhance student learning.

Drawing from extensive research conducted in the Ongoing Assessment Project (OGAP), this engaging and user-friendly resource has been updated throughout to provide readers with the most current insights. Two new chapters are dedicated to understanding the OGAP Fraction Framework and Progression, which were developed based on research involving hundreds of teachers. These chapters guide readers in gathering and interpreting evidence of student learning along a learning progression, which is referenced throughout the book to facilitate its application in teaching.

A strong emphasis is placed on student work, with over 180 annotated pieces of student work included to assist teachers in improving their ability to recognize, assess, and monitor their students' errors and misconceptions. Additionally, the third edition introduces a discussion on decimal fractions, a topic that is new to this edition. In-chapter sections highlight how Common Core State Standards for Math (CCSSM) are supported by math education research, providing teachers with valuable insights into how to align their instruction with these standards.

To facilitate teachers' analysis of student thinking and consideration of instructional strategies for their own students, end-of-chapter Looking Back questions are included. These questions encourage teachers to reflect on the concepts discussed in each chapter and consider how they can be applied to their own teaching contexts. Instructional links are provided to help teachers connect the concepts from each chapter to their own instructional materials and programs, further enhancing the relevance and effectiveness of the book.

In addition to the print edition, accompanying online Support Material includes a wealth of resources to enhance the learning experience. These include additional annotated student work, teaching tips, and video examples that illustrate the concepts discussed in the book. Teachers can access these resources at any time, allowing them to deepen their understanding of the material and apply it to their practice effectively.

In summary, the third edition of this book is a valuable resource for pre-service and in-service K-8 mathematics teachers who are committed to improving their understanding of teaching and learning fraction concepts. By providing a research-based lens, extensive annotated student work, and discussions on decimal fractions, the book equips teachers with the tools they need to interpret evidence of student thinking, inform instruction, and enhance student learning. With its user-friendly format, online Support Material, and emphasis on practical applications, this book is an essential tool for anyone interested in advancing mathematics education.

Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032028453
Edition number: 3 ed