Students often view mathematics as a set of unrelated facts and procedures and fail to make the connections between and among related topics. One role of a teacher is to help students understand that mathematics is an interrelated discipline. Another role is to assist students in the scaffolding of their knowledge so that they can make connections…

Education experts argue that using rich mathematical tasks in student-centered classrooms is especially conducive to student learning (NCTM 2000). That said, they also acknowledge that using complex tasks and developing student-centered classrooms can be intimidating and challenging for teachers (Chazan and Ball 1999). One difficulty associated…

Engaging all students in grade-level mathematics is often a challenge for teachers, especially in diverse urban classrooms. Too often in her role of supporting the development of effective practices with middle school teachers, the author observes traditional classroom instructors presenting information and demonstrating procedures. In this…

Describes a project in which middle grades students are asked to write in mathematics class with the goal of determining whether it changes their opinions of writing as an integral part of mathematics. (Contains 14 references.) (YDS)