Monday, November 1, 2004
2:30 pm, Science 2-065

Kenneth I. Gross

Lesley University and
University of Vermont

Elementary Teachers as Mathematicians: Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Abstract: In the late 1980s a revolution in K-12 mathematics instruction was quietly taking place across the United States under the heading of "standards based instruction." The curriculum was reorganized according to a new paradigm, new teaching and classroom strategies were introduced, more advanced and diverse topics were incorporated into the curriculum, and new so-called "standards-based" materials were published in support of the new philosophy -- all of which placed enormous pressure on the classroom teacher, especially at the K-6 level. This colloquium takes as its theme mathematics instruction at the elementary level, as seen through the eyes of a mathematician/educator. Topics will include the following:

• The standards-based revolution
• Mathematics content needs of teachers
• The Vermont Mathematics Initiative (VMI), a highly successful content-based degree program to train K-6 mathematics teacher leaders
• Why K-6 teachers need "higher mathematics," illustrated by student work
• The English language as a mathematics manipulative
• Enduring mathematical motifs that stretch from the kindergarten classroom to the research frontier.

This presentation is designed for a general audience and has no mathematics or education prerequisites.