Modeling Mathematical Ideas

Modeling Mathematical Ideas combines current research and practical strategies to build teachers and students strategic competence in problem solving. This informative book supports teachers in understanding learning progressions that address conceptual guiding posts, as well as students’ common misconceptions, in investigating and discussing important mathematical ideas related to number sense, computational fluency, algebraic thinking and proportional reasoning. In each chapter, the authors opens with a rich real-world mathematical problem and presents classroom strategies (such as visible thinking strategies & technology integration) and other related problems to develop students’ strategic competence in modeling mathematical ideas.

Modeling mathematical ideas offers teachers a practical guide to leading third- through eighth-grade students to develop strategic competence and to use models to solve cognitively demanding tasks.... A few main strengths of the book are the insights provided to readers about the implementation of the tasks and the inclusion of a variety of models that students use when solving the tasks.... The content of this book will help educators become skillful teachers of modelers and of the mathematical content associated with each task. The book is a good choice for teachers looking to implement modeling into their classroom. This is also a great resource for a preservice math methods course., The authors of Modeling Mathematical Ideas deconstruct the concepts of models and modeling, both from a mathematical perspective and a pedagogical perspective. Through a variety of examples from real research lesson experiences, called Lesson Study Vignettes, the authors bring to life the concepts and principles of models and modeling. Pre-service and practicing teachers will find the text is filled with multiple representations and technology examples, rich illustrations of students’ work, in-depth modeling exemplars, and a variety of engaging and real world problems to pursue. A must-read for any instructor who wants to become an expert on models and modeling!, This book is a great resource for mathematics teachers and professional development providers. The concepts are clearly presented using both classic and novel real-world problems to highlight the process of mathematical modeling through problem solving. The lesson study vignettes and student-work samples are great ways to generate discussions among teachers because they illustrate how teachers and students think about the concepts and engage in classrooms. I will definitely use this book in my mathematics methods courses and workshops!, Modeling Mathematical Ideas provides strong support for how to help students develop strategic competence in K-8 mathematics. The lesson study vignettes, student work examples, discussion of the mathematics, suggestions for student solution sharing, and the many rich tasks makes this a pragmatic resource for individual teachers, as well as groups of teachers engaging in their own lesson studies!

Jennifer Suh is associate professor in the Graduate School of Education, College of Education and Human Development, George Mason University. Dr. Suh teaches mathematics methods courses in the Elementary Education Program and mathematics leadership courses for the Mathematics Specialist Masters and PH.D Programs. She directs the Center for Outreach in Mathematics Professional Learning and Educational Technology, COMPLETE, a joint center between the College of Education and the College of Science. Her research focuses on mathematics teacher development while using Lesson Study to develop pedagogical mathematics knowledge across the continuum from pre-service teachers to mathematics teacher leaders; Children's development of mathematical meaning and models by building understanding and representational fluency; Problem-based Learning Environments to promote equitable access to 21st century skills: Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication and Collaboration for diverse student populations in STEM disciplines. Padmanabhan Seshaiyer is professor of mathematical sciences and serves as the Director of the STEM Accelerator Program and the Center for Outreach in Mathematics Professional Learning and Educational Technology (COMPLETE) at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. During the last decade, he has initiated and directed a variety of educational programs including graduate and undergraduate research, K-12 outreach, teacher professional development, and enrichment programs to foster the interest of students and teachers in mathematical modeling and STEM at all levels. He is also actively involved in multiple global initiatives and training programs that engage students, teachers and faculty to develop innovative STEM-based solutions to real-world problems.