Rich Math Tasks in the Classroom
The goal of this online course is to introduce you to strategies to enrich your students critical thinking skills by engaging in meaningful problem solving using rich mathematical tasks. The eight Common Core Standards for Mathematical Practice require students to think critically as they apply their skills and knowledge to mathematical situations. Rich tasks present students with the opportunity to conjecture and reason, explore and model, collaborate and communicate about mathematical thinking. Teachers will explore the rationale for developing a math-task culture as well as develop strategies for selecting, planning and implementing tasks in the classroom. This course may be completed with or without students.
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Paul Reimer
Instructor
I believe in the power of ongoing, collaborative learning opportunities for teachers that develop usable knowledge and shared practices. I have been active in education for more than 20 years as a teacher, instructional coach, workshop presenter, and designer of mathematics programs at the K-12 level. Currently I am a Ph.D. student at Michigan State University where I am exploring the relationship between teachers' beliefs, attitudes, and practices. My courses deal with issues that many teachers of mathematics have experienced. How do I best assess my students? How can I get students talking about math, and how do I facilitate that discussion? How do I get out of the textbook and into an engaging task that harnesses curiosity and makes use of critical thinking and reasoning? Developing shared practices around these ideas through collaborative reflection and support is the focus of our online community.