Math Course Series

  Our world is defined by space and spatial relationships of geometric shapes and elements.  The arguments we use to defend our points of view to others model geometric thinking.  The structures and arguments of geometry are one of the oldest, most practical and, to many students, the most relevant studies in mathematics.  Skillful teachers in early grades build on students’ innate ability to describe their world by introducing precise geometric vocabulary and basic understandings. The study of geometry is as extensive as it is fascinating.  This course limits itself to address only the most fundamental and essential content common toContinue Reading

Brain research explains why adolescents often exhibit impulsive or thoughtless behaviors, why they seek novelty and thrive when learning is relevant and social.  The challenges of engaging middle school students in the study of pre-algebra mathematics hones the roster of successful middle school math teachers to a special group, many of who offer their advice to you in the four components of this course.  Component One:  One Number, Many Names.  This component explores the different representations of rational numbers so a student can answer the important question, “What is the most useful name for 3 ½ in this situation?”  TheContinue Reading

This course examines topics that build on students’ firm foundation of counting and number sense, basic addition and subtraction, place value, and the ability and confidence to apply their knowledge to solve important problems. Along with a discussion of content topics essential for mastery in grades 3-5 and research-based strategies used by successful teachers to ensure that mastery, this course presents information about how the preadolescent brain learns and how this should influence instruction.  Five components address these topics.  Component One:  Teaching Mathematics to the Preadolescent Brain.  It seems reasonable that efforts to teach are consistent with how the brainContinue Reading

What are the issues that commonly cause students’ natural abilities and love for mathematics to fade to difficulty and dislike?  This course will examine the skills and concepts that form the foundation for understanding mathematics.  In addition, it will examine the elements of instruction that have been found to nurture young students’ innate mathematical curiosity, confidence and ability.  Three components describe the content and pedagogy essential for instruction at these early grades.  Component One:  Counting.  The first component builds from a child’s innate ability to distinguish quantities and to react when the number of objects in a small collection hasContinue Reading

      This course is designed to build content knowledge of special education teachers providing instructional services to students in the areas of Algebra and Algebraic Reasoning. It may also be used as a review for general education mathematics teachers or paraeducators who may be supporting struggling students in the general education classroom. This course will sharpen your algebraic reasoning and skills to work with and communicate your algebraic thoughts to others. There are four components to the course. Component 1: Linear Algebra. This components will sharpen your thinking about topics in linear algebra. You will work with theContinue Reading