Thinking Mathematics

Thinking Mathematics:  Volume 1      

Ten Principles, Addition/Subtraction and Counting

This course focuses on research about how children learn mathematics and how these findings can be applied in the classroom.  Ten Principles capture practices that lead to better understanding of math for all students and are applicable at all levels.  In this course, they are exemplified through the research on counting, addition and subtraction.  The course takes a broader look at the importance of patterns and relationships throughout math, addresses the kind of questioning that promotes thinking in math class, and provides a framework for thinking about curriculum and lessons.

Thinking Mathematics:  Volume 2 Multiplication, Division and Proportional Reasoning

This second part of Thinking Math presents research-based strategies for teaching and learning multiplication, division and beginning proportional reasoning.  Primary teachers and paraprofessionals can see how children in the earliest grades can build a foundation of understanding as they begin to deal with problems that typically are reserved for later years.  Teachers of older students learn how to promote understanding of basic mathematical properties and laws that will be used when students study algebra.  The course also shows a connection between several of the practices suggested by Thinking Math and the study of higher mathematics.                                        (Prerequisite:  Thinking Math Volume 1)

Thinking Mathematics:  Volume 3 Fractions, Decimals, Ratio

This course, the third in the Thinking Math series, tackles one of the most challenging areas of middle school math:  fractions, decimals, percent and ratio.  Learn the thinking behind mistakes that students make over and over and develop strategies for helping them make sense of this domain.  Primary teachers, who often introduce basic fraction concepts and use decimals in the context of money, can benefit along with those who teacher older students.                                      (Prerequisite:  Thinking Math Volumes 1 and 2) 

Thinking Mathematics for Middle School:  Journey to Algebra

This course is built on the premise that students who are struggling with mathematics when they get to middle school have missed fundamental concepts that must be learned before they can be successful with middle school curriculum.  Thus the course includes core concepts from other TM courses and looks at them for middle school youngsters.  The culminating unit is on beginning algebra.  Each unit covers its topic starting with whole numbers and progressing through fractions and negative numbers.  Teachers can see how early concepts develop and thread up through levels of the curriculum, providing insight into what students might need.  (This course has no prerequisite.)