Connecting Mathematical Ideas

Book excerpt: In math, like any subject, real learning takes place when students can connect what they already know to new ideas. In "Connecting Mathematical Idea"s, Jo Boaler and Cathy Humphreys offer a comprehensive way to improve your ability to help adolescents build connections between different mathematical ideas and representations and between domains like algebra and geometry. "Connecting Mathematical Ideas" contains two-CDs worth of video case studies from Humphreys' own middle-school classroom that show her encouraging students to bridge complex mathematical concepts with their prior knowledge. Replete with math talk and coverage of topics like representation, reasonableness, and proof, the CDs also include complete transcripts and study questions that stimulate professional learning. Meanwhile, the accompanying book guides you through the CDs with in-depth commentary from Boaler and Humphreys that breaks down and analyzes the lesson footage from both a theoretical and a practical standpoint. In addition to addressing the key content areas of middle school mathematics, Boaler and Humphreys pose and help you address a broad range of frequently asked pedagogical questions, such as: How can I organize productive class discussions? How do I ask questions that stimulate discussion and thought among my students? What's the most effective way to encourage reticent class members to speak up? What role should student errors play in my teaching? Go inside real classrooms to solve your toughest teaching questions. Use the case studies and the wealth of professional support within "Connecting Mathematical Ideas" and find new ways to help your students connect with math.