Posted by:
Judy Spicer
Research/tech assistance org
Columbus, OH

Topic:
Collaboration Is Key

Message:

Teachers can be supported in their efforts to improve instructional practice by being given the opportunity and time to work collaboratively.

Let's look at two issues related to integrating a problem-solving approach into middle school mathematics. First, there is the need for teachers to have content knowledge as related to both problem solving and mathematics. Many experienced educators believe that problem solving must be systematically taught to students so that students see mathematics as more than choosing the correct mathematical operation.

The second issue is the reality of teacher isolation when exploring new instructional practices. Providing teachers with time to work collaboratively is necessary to addressing these closely intertwined issues.

A deep understanding of mathematics is needed to enable educators to see the multiple possible approaches to problems. Acquiring this understanding is difficult for a single teacher to do in isolation. Groups of teachers can apply the lesson study method of Japanese professional development to integrating problem solving approach into their instructional practice. The lesson study requires time for exploration and reflection about lesson content. Teachers work together to explore the mathematics to be taught and then collaborate in preparing lessons. They take time to reflect together on their instructional practice and share their teaching successes and failures. Lesson study is an ongoing arrangement to continue the refinement of mathematical understanding and teaching methods.

Below I have listed some web sites that contain good problems for engaging middle grades students in mathematics problem solving and for using technology to support mathematics learning. Participants are encouraged to check out web sites highlighted on the monthly Digital Dozen list of exemplary web sites for math and science education found on ENC Online at http://enc.org. Some of my favorite sites are:

• The AIMS Puzzle Corner
  
  http://www.aimsedu.org/Puzzle/PuzzleList.html

  
  

• MathMagic!
  
  http://forum.swarthmore.edu/mathmagic/

  
  

• MathStories.com
  
  http://www.mathstories.com/

  
  

• Math WebQuests: Continuing our journey through the information highway
  
  http://www.wfu.edu/~mccoy/NCTM99/
  
  
• Word Problems for Kids - Grades 5 to 12
  
  http://www.stfx.ca/special/mathproblems/welcome.html
  

"Problem solving is the process by which students experience the power and usefulness of mathematics in the world around them" (NCTM 1989, p. 75).

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