Mathematics Navigations and Number Sense
IMPROVING TEACHER QUALITY GRANT PROGRAM (THEC)
Deborah A. McAllister, Project Director
Mathematics Navigations and Number Sense workshop focused on inservice teacher professional development as an agent to effect change in the Grades 3-5 classroom. Through three, week-long summer workshops, 60 teachers focused on (a) algebra, geometry, measurement, and data analysis and probability tasks from the Navigations series in a “best of” activities workshop for topics previously presented, for teachers who have not yet participated; (b) problem solving and reasoning for grades 3 and 4 from the Navigations series (new workshop); or (c) number sense tasks from Math Matters (updated workshop with 2nd edition of book) as a means to improve their knowledge and skills, and, in turn, their students' knowledge and skills in these areas. Hands-on activities using a variety of mathematics manipulatives, and constructivist strategies for teaching and learning, were emphasized. For example, in an algebra activity, calculators were used to explore and extend patterns of numbers; in a geometry activity, paper representations of quilt squares were used to explore the transformations through slides, flips, and turns; in a measurement activity, pattern blocks were used to cover and estimate the area of irregular shapes; in a data analysis and probability activity, pop cubes were used to explore the concept of balance; and in a number sense activity, participants explored meanings of fractions, such as part-whole and result of division. Problem solving and reasoning activities emphasized making conjectures, finding multiple solutions for solving problems, making generalizations, and making connections across the content standards. Computer technology was used to explore software and Internet sites relevant to the mathematics under study. A great majority of state and national curriculum standards and expectations for algebra, geometry, measurement, data analysis and probability, problem solving, reasoning, and number and operations were met through workshop activities. UTC and area school districts collaborate on this project. The project is closely aligned with national, state, and local curriculum standards.
