Teaching and Learning Mathematics with the Common Core
This video series is the product of a collaboration between the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and the Hunt Institute. In addition to classroom examples, the Math Voices video series uses interviews with elementary classroom teachers, secondary mathematics teachers, instructional leaders and coaches, principals, parent leaders, national mathematics experts, and college mathematics professors and researchers to enhance understanding of the mathematics skills that students need in order to be successful in life, college, and their future careers. With content spanning from elementary through high school, the videos address the importance of developing a solid foundation for algebra, as well as laying the groundwork for calculus and other postsecondary mathematics coursework. The videos also elaborate on the Standards of Mathematical Practice in specific regard to how and why teaching and learning must change in order to build conceptual understanding. Finally, the video series ends with a five-part series, Conversations about K-12 Mathematics Education, during which Dr. Diane Briars, President of NCTM, and Dr. Solomon Friedberg, James P. McIntyre Professor of Mathematics and Chair of the Mathematics Department at Boston College, speak about the following common-core related topics: the Common Core mathematics standards; educator preparation and professional development; curriculum and instructional materials; parents and homework; and assessment. Below is a list of videos included in the series:
Building Conceptual Understanding for Mathematics
Mathematics in the Early Grades
Developing Mathematical Skills in Upper elementary Grades
Mathematical Foundations for Success in Algebra, Preparation for Higher Level Mathematics
Standards for Mathematical Practice
Parents Supporting Mathematics Learning
Conversations about K-12 Mathematics Education (Five-Part Series)
The Math Voices video series addresses many issues that have been the subject of considerable debate, including: Are the Common Core State Standards developmentally appropriate for young children? Will students be required to learn math facts and the most common procedure (or algorithm) for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division? What can parents do to support their children’s learning of mathematics? How can they help with homework? Why is understanding how a problem is solved as important as finding the right answer? What skills are most important to ensure success in algebra? Is student performance in mathematics improving as teaching is focused on developing understanding and not simply rote memorization? How are students best prepared for college coursework in mathematics, whether in calculus or statistics, a branch of mathematics now essential for a growing number of careers? Can mathematical understanding be enhanced by challenging students with real-world problems?
Although classroom examples are included in the Math Voices video series, they are used mainly to support interviews and conversations. The interviews and conversations with elementary classroom teachers, secondary mathematics teachers, instructional leaders and coaches, principals, parent leaders, national mathematics experts, and college mathematics professors and researchers are the main feature of the video series.