Preparing Middle School Mathematics Teachers: Rethinking Engagement and Learning

Courey, S.J., LePage, P., Siker, J.R., Roschelle, J., & Blackorby, J. (2010).  Preparing middle school mathematics teachers: Rethinking engagement and learning. The Mathematics Enthusiast.

ABSTRACT:

In this theoretical research paper we describe a collaborative effort between researchers and university faculty to improve how teachers are prepared to teach middle school mathematics. Two powerful instructional frameworks, UDL and TPACK are dovetailed within in a web-based dynamic textbook, “Proportional Dynabook” that focuses on proportional reasoning concepts related to ratio, similarity, and linear function. Theoretical tensions between special and general education teacher preparation programs influence the ongoing design of Proportional Dynabook. Pre-service and in-service special education teachers used Proportional Dynabook in a graduate level methods class to design a ratio lesson for a student who struggled with the concept. Teachers developed deeper understanding of ratio and related pedagogical strategies that make the content of mathematics accessible to diverse learners.