Fostering Algebraic Thinking Toolkit: A guide for Professional Development

 

Level

Middle and High School

 

Cost

Available from Heinemann Publishing (ca $300) 

http://www.heinemann.com/products/E02865.aspx

 

Type of Video

Small group work with teacher; teacher reflection

 

Length of Videos

5-12 minutes

 

Number of Videos

Three

 

Content Domains

Algebra, Functions, Modeling

 

Description of the Videos

• Video one: 11:15 minutes (0:30 - 11:45 on DVD), Teacher working with small group on problem (modeling two different linear relationships and comparing them), and then teacher reflecting on her work with children.

• Video 3: (16:25 - ?) Teachers reflect and debrief on questions asked during small group work on algebraic tasks

 

Usefulness of the Videos

• These videos serve as good examples of teachers supporting cognitively demanding group work through focusing, not funneling.  

• They also are good examples of reflective practice, teachers talking about their work.  

 

Ancillary Materials

• The whole program is designed as a companion to Fostering Algebraic Thinking, by Mark Driscoll (http://www.heinemann.com/products/E00154.aspx).

• These videos are part of a set of professional development materials specifically geared toward fostering algebraic thinking, analyzing student work, documenting patterns of student thinking and asking questions of students.  

• The materials are organized into four professional development sessions, and include facilitation notes, notes on the mathematics, and handouts for participants.

 

Author/Sponsor

Mark Driscoll, in collaboration with Judith Sawojewski, Andrea Humez, 

Johanna Nikula, Lynn Goldsmith and James Hammerman