Unlocking the Secrets: How Understanding Mathematics Leads to Improved Instructional Quality

Mathematics has always been considered a challenging subject by many students. However, did you know that understanding and making sense of mathematics is crucial for teachers to improve their instructional quality? In this article, we will explore the importance of comprehending mathematics in teaching and how it directly impacts the quality of instruction delivered.

The Significance of Mathematics in Teaching

Mathematics serves as the foundation for various disciplines. It enhances critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and logical reasoning. Teachers who possess a deep understanding of mathematics can effectively teach their students and help them develop these essential skills.

When teachers master mathematics, they can:

Making Sense of Mathematics for Teaching to Inform Instructional Quality: (Applying the TQE Process in Teachers' Math Strategies)

by Amber G. Candela (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11961 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	254 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE

• Create connections between different mathematical concepts.
• Properly sequence and scaffold instructional materials.
• Establish a positive and inclusive learning environment.
• Provide appropriate feedback and intervene when necessary.
• Identify and address common misconceptions.

By having a solid grasp of mathematics, teachers can confidently guide their students through the complexities of the subject, ensuring that they not only learn but also enjoy and appreciate the beauty of mathematics.

Enhancing Instructional Quality Through Understanding

1. Creating Connections:

Mathematics is a web of interconnected concepts and principles. When teachers understand the links between different topics, they can create meaningful connections for their students. For example, connecting algebraic equations with geometry helps students grasp the relevance of both subjects and transfer their knowledge between them. This approach promotes deeper understanding and improves instructional quality.

2. Sequencing and Scaffolding:

Sequencing refers to the logical progression of mathematical concepts, while scaffolding involves providing support and guidance as students learn new ideas. Teachers who understand mathematics can organize concepts in a coherent sequence, ensuring that students build upon previously learned knowledge. Additionally, they can effectively scaffold lessons, breaking down complex concepts into manageable chunks and providing appropriate assistance along the way. This sequencing and scaffolding approach significantly enhances instructional quality by catering to students' diverse learning needs.

3. Establishing an Inclusive Environment:

When teachers understand mathematics, they can create an inclusive environment that celebrates different approaches to problem-solving. Since there are multiple ways to arrive at a correct answer in mathematics, teachers who comprehend the subject can encourage students to share their unique approaches. This fosters a collaborative learning environment where students feel comfortable expressing their ideas and helps develop their individual thinking skills. Consequently, instructional quality improves as students become actively engaged in the learning process.

4. Providing Targeted Feedback and Intervention:

Understanding mathematics allows teachers to provide targeted feedback and intervention to address individual student needs effectively. When teachers can identify students' misconceptions, they can offer precise guidance to correct and clarify their understanding. They can also tailor intervention strategies based on each student's specific learning gaps, ensuring that no student is left behind. Personalized feedback and intervention greatly enhance instructional quality by meeting the unique needs of every student.

Making sense of mathematics is of paramount importance for teachers who aim to provide high-quality instruction. It empowers teachers to establish connections, sequence concepts, create inclusive environments, and provide targeted feedback. By embracing mathematics and developing a deep understanding, teachers can inspire and engage their students, leading to improved instructional quality and better educational outcomes.

Making Sense of Mathematics for Teaching to Inform Instructional Quality: (Applying the TQE Process in Teachers' Math Strategies)

by Amber G. Candela (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11961 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	254 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE

Discover a clear path for improving your instructional strategies for teaching mathematics at any grade level. Designed for individuals or collaborative teams, this practical resource introduces a set of rubrics -- the Instructional Quality Assessment (IQA) Toolkit -- that readers can rely on to help guide reflections, conversations, feedback, and planning. Also included is a series of short videos that showcase how to use the book's math strategies and tools in classrooms.

Ensure the instructional quality of your teaching strategies in mathematics:

• Utilize tasks, questions, and evidence (the TQE process) and the associated IQA rubrics as a road map for increasing instructional quality.

• Become familiar with the connection between efficient use of tasks and teacher questioning with increased student success.

• Learn how to gauge student response to tasks and lessons in order to understand student mastery of the material.

• Enhance your understanding of math strategies through hands-on activities.

• Access free online reproducibles for use in teaching mathematics in the classroom.

Contents:

About the Authors

Part 1: Connecting to the T in TQE -- Tasks and Task Implementation

Chapter 1: Potential of the Task

Chapter 2: Implementation of the Task

Part 2: Connecting to the Q in TQE -- Questions and Their Role as Discourse Actions

Chapter 3: Teacher's Questions

Chapter 4: Teacher's Linking and Teacher's Press

Part 3: Connecting to the E in TQE -- Evidence of Students' Mathematical Work and Thinking

Chapter 5: Students' Linking and Students' Providing

Chapter 6: The IQA Toolkit as a Tool to Assess and Improve Instructional Practice

Epilogue: Next Steps

Appendix A: The IQA Toolkit

Appendix B: Suggested Answers for Activity 1.4

Appendix C: Suggested Answers for Activity 3.2

Appendix D: Additional Support for Rating Tasks

Appendix E: List of Figures and Videos

References and Resources

Index

More Making Sense of Mathematics Books:

• Making Sense of Mathematics for Teaching Grades K-2

• Making Sense of Mathematics for Teaching Grades 3-5

• Making Sense of Mathematics for Teaching Grades 6-8

• Making Sense of Mathematics for Teaching High School

• Making Sense of Mathematics for Teaching to Inform Instructional Quality

• Making Sense of Mathematics for Teaching Girls in Grades K-5

• Making Sense of Mathematics for Teaching the Small Group