You've heard a lot about "fact fluency" and "balanced math," but what does workshop teaching in math
look like in a classroom? Come inside some classrooms and see...
Understanding and Supporting "Balanced Math" Teaching
As an administrator, how can you support teachers who want to utilize research-based practices to facilitate the move from procedural understandings to conceptual understandings in the mathematics classroom? Support teachers in grades K-8 as they think about math as an inquiry-based study.
You'll leave with knowledge to:
Recognize what math workshop looks and sounds like in K-8 classrooms
Guide teachers in finding appropriate resources for curriculum planning and professional development in math workshop
Think about policies and practices in your building that can support teachers in implementing best practices in math education (e.g., teacher evaluation rubrics)
Think about math as an inquiry based study, understanding the math that students are asked to do, and how it connects to our everyday experiences.
Learn more about the "balanced math" framework that many teachers are using in their classrooms. Broaden math experience to make connections to number sense, early algebra and other essential concepts.
Participants will be introduced to research-based practices that facilitate the move from procedural understandings to conceptual understandings in the mathematics classroom. Linking theory and practice, Courtney will use her experience as a classroom teacher and instructional coach to help participants implement these ideas in their daily practice.
Launch a math workshop and support mathematical inquiry
July 11 (day one): First 20 Days and Launch
You know the first days of school set the tone and expectations for the year. What does that mean for your math workshop? How will you establish routines, communicate your expectations of students and perhaps even signal to them that this year's math class may be unlike any other they've ever seen? Can you keep students who loved last year's math class excited while winning over those who have been disconnected? Yes, you can!
July 12 (day two): Create a Mathematical Environment
What does a math workshop classroom look like? How can you set up the classroom-and what tools do you need-to encourage authentic, hands-on discovery of mathematical concepts that resonate with students every day experiences? On both days teachers will learn to create a focused unit of study that moves students past rote memorization of procedures and facts to some deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. Engage in activities that will help students begin problem solving right away. Develop an understanding of the math materials and the role of mathematicians during math block.
All professional development opportunities in math described above will be facilitated by local math teaching experts Ryan Flessner, professor at Butler University, and/or Courtney Flessner, instructor at IUPUI.