Teaching Secondary Mathematics: Techniques and Enrichment Units

Teaching Secondary Mathematics: Techniques and Enrichment Units, Eighth Edition

Alfred S. Posamentier, The City College, The City University of New York

Beverly S. Smith, The City College, The City University of New York

Jay Stepelman

Essential for teachers in traditional or alternate route teaching programs, the revision of this highly successful book includes the latest changes in student assessment and how to use technology in the secondary mathematics classroom. With a focus on problem solving, the authors address how to craft rich and effective daily lesson plans, and how to use a variety of instructional tools and strategies to reach all students in a classroom. This must-have resource for your first mathematics classroom provides practical teaching methods for immediate use along with answers to typical questions readers have about teaching mathematics.

Practical Content for Today’s Teachers

Chapter topics in section one include:

• Challenges facing today’s teachers
• Importance of planning for instruction
• Teaching more effective lessons
• Role of problem solving in the mathematics classroom
• Using technology to enhance mathematics instruction
• Authentic assessment and grading strategies
• Enriching mathematics instruction
• Extracurricular activities in mathematics

Section two provides a collection of 125 enrichment units appropriate for the entire secondary school curriculum spectrum.

New to this Edition

• Introduces the newest assessments for students based on the NCTM Standards.
• Encourages the use of technology in the classroom and includes the latest developments in this rapidly changing field.
• Includes new information on data-driven planning.

This thorough revision of Teaching Secondary Mathematics: Techniques and Enrichment Units includes the most practical, step-by-step techniques for teaching mathematics in today’s assessment and standards driven environment. Part One on methods discusses all aspects of being a math teacher, from an overview of the discipline, to challenges of teaching today, the role of problem-solving, the importance of planning, assessment strategies, teaching more effective lessons, enriching mathematics instruction, and extracurricular activities for mathematics. Part Two supplies 125 enrichment units that teachers can use right away in their own classrooms that are suitable for the entire secondary school curriculum spectrum. From methods to hands on activities, this highly successful book takes students through the whole process of what teaching mathematics in the secondary schools will be like.

New To This Edition:

NEW: Includes the latest information on changes to student assessment that have been made possible due to innovations in technology.

NEW! Features new content on data driven planning.

NEW! Completely revised technology chapter reflects the rapidly changing technology environment of today.

NEW! No chapters remain untouched!

Alfred S. Posamentier is Professor of Mathematics Education and Dean of the School of Education of The City College of the City University of New York. He is the author and co-author of many mathematics books for teachers and secondary school students.

After completing his A.B. degree in mathematics at Hunter College of the City University of New York, he took a position as a teacher of mathematics at Theodore Roosevelt High School in the Bronx (New York), where he focused his attention on the teaching process in general and the improvement of students' problem-solving skills in particular. He developed the school's first mathematics teams and established a special class whose primary focus was enrichment topics in mathematics and problem solving. After six years as a high school teacher, Dr. Posamentier joined the faculty of The City College where he also received his master’s degree. He began to develop in-service courses for secondary school mathematics teachers, focusing on practical classroom applications of educational research. These courses addressed such topics as the uses of new technology in mathematics instruction, efficient ways to teach weaker students, problem-solving strategies, and the enrichment of mathematics through a variety of ways including, but not limited to, recreational mathematics.

Dr. Posamentier received his Ph.D. from Fordham University (New York) in mathematics education. He is an Honorary Fellow at the South Bank University (London, England). He has been visiting professor at the Technical University of Vienna and the Humboldt University at Berlin, and a Fulbright Professor at the University of Vienna. Dr. Posamentier is often cited for his outstanding teaching. The City College Alumni Association named him Educator of the Year (1993) and he also on May 1, 1993 had a "Day" named in his honor by the City Council President of New York City. He was awarded the Grand Medal of Honor from the Federal Republic of Austria and the Medal of Distinction from the city of Vienna. In 1999 he was awarded the title of University Professor for Austrian Universities.

Now, after more than 35 years on the faculty of CCNY, he still exudes an ever-increasing energy and enthusiasm for mathematics and mathematics education. With his penchant for mathematics instruction, he has been especially concerned that during the recent years of mathematics teacher shortages, those who enter the classroom are as well prepared as possible. He enthusiastically believes that providing mathematics teachers with an appropriate repertoire of teaching strategies enables them to fulfill an essential role in society: empowering our nation's youngsters to engage in the critical study of mathematics.

Dr. Beverly Smith Beverly Smith holds a, MA and Ed.D. in mathematics education from Teachers College — Columbia University and an M.S. degree in computer science from Union College. Prior to becoming a mathematics-teacher-educator, Dr. Smith taught mathematics and computer science at the secondary school and college level in New York State and Massachusetts. She is currently an Associate Professor in the Secondary Education Department at The City College of New York.

Dr. Smith’s research interests are in the area of teacher professional development. As part of her responsibilities as a faculty member of MetroMath: The Center for Mathematics in America’s Cities, she is studying the development of alternatively certified mathematics teachers who are participating in the New York City Teaching Fellows Program. In addition, Dr. Smith is working with mathematics teachers to better understand how technology can support formative assessment in urban mathematics classrooms.