Developing Deep Knowledge in Middle School Mathematics: A Textbook for Teaching in the Age of Technology

This textbook is for prospective middle school mathematics teachers and integrates grade-appropriate content with international recommendations for teaching the content. It emphasizes the connections between mathematics and real life, the importance of technology, and the importance of creativity in the digital age.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 433 pages
Publication date: 11 May 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive textbook is designed specifically for aspiring middle school mathematics teachers. Drawing upon the author's extensive experience in delivering various mathematics education courses to prospective teachers in the United States and Canada, it offers valuable insights and perspectives. The content is tailored to support one or more of the 24-semester-hour courses recommended by the Conference Board of the Mathematical Sciences (2012) for the mathematical preparation of middle school teachers. By seamlessly integrating grade-appropriate content on all major topics within the middle school mathematics curriculum with international recommendations for teaching, the textbook ensures its relevance for a global readership.

One of the key strengths of this textbook is its emphasis on the inherent connections between mathematics and real life. The author recognizes that many mathematical concepts and procedures arise from common sense, which schoolchildren possess intuitively. This focus on teaching formal mathematics with reference to real life and common sense is fundamental to the textbook's pedagogical approach. By linking mathematics to everyday experiences, the author aims to enhance students' understanding and engagement with the subject matter.

In addition to its emphasis on real-world connections, the textbook also stresses the importance of being able to use technology as an exploratory tool. Recognizing the pervasive influence of technology in today's society, the author encourages teachers to familiarize themselves with its strengths and weaknesses. The textbook explores various technologies, including physical manipulatives and digital educational software, and their applications in mathematics education. For instance, it discusses the use of computer graphing software for digital fabrication, highlighting its potential to enhance students' creativity and problem-solving skills.

Furthermore, the textbook addresses the issue of creativity as a crucial aspect of education in the digital age, particularly in mathematics education. The author recognizes that the digital environment provides new opportunities for creativity and innovation, but also poses unique challenges. The textbook encourages teachers to foster creativity in their students by providing them with opportunities to explore, create, and communicate their ideas. It emphasizes the importance of developing critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities, which are essential in the digital age.

In conclusion, this textbook is a valuable resource for aspiring middle school mathematics teachers. It offers a comprehensive and engaging approach to teaching mathematics, emphasizing real-world connections, technology integration, and creativity. By integrating grade-appropriate content with international recommendations and exploring the use of various technologies, the textbook prepares teachers to effectively engage and inspire their students in the digital age.

Weight: 704g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030685638
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021