Question in an online discussion:I'm trying to figure out how to kinesthetically demonstrate Pascal's triangle with my precalculus kidsMy response: I do a lot of kinesthetic activities in geometry and algebra, but haven't yet thought about this particular topic that way.Here's a possibility:- Have students stand in a triangular number arrangement- Give the top student… Continue reading Kinesthetic intro to Pascal’s Triangle
Tag: Teaching
Job at the Urban School
Full-Time High School Mathematics TeacherFor the 2010-11 School YearThe Urban School of San Francisco seeks a high school mathematics teacher with an undergraduate degree in mathematics or a mathematical science to teach classes ranging from Algebra through Calculus. The school is looking for a dynamic, creative teacher who has enthusiasm for working with high school… Continue reading Job at the Urban School
Madness in Seattle, cont’d
In a previous post, I wrote:A judge overturned the math textbook selection of the Seattle school district, on the grounds that the books are "inquiry-based" and not as effective (according to the plaintiffs in a court case) as "direct instruction".Just to be clear: I don't see myself on the side of "inquiry" and against "direct… Continue reading Madness in Seattle, cont’d
Madness in Seattle
A judge overturned the math textbook selection of the Seattle school district, on the grounds that the books are "inquiry-based" and not as effective (according to the plaintiffs in a court case) as "direct instruction". The textbooks are published by Key Curriculum Press, and include the Discovering series for algebra and geometry, and the Foerster… Continue reading Madness in Seattle
Research
Correspondents often ask whether there is research that establishes that my curricular materials are effective. The question is usually about the Lab Gear, but recently someone asked it about my pentomino materials.Unfortunately, I don't know the answer. If someone did this kind of research, they didn't tell me about it.What I do know is that… Continue reading Research
Independent Curriculum Group
I'll be participating in a panel on "How do schools foster innovative teaching?" at each of two conferences of the Independent Curriculum Group: Friday, January 15 in NYC, and Thursday, January 28 in Philadelphia.The ICG is a coalition of schools that de-emphasize APs and prioritize their own educational missions. Appropriately, Mark Salkind (my visionary boss… Continue reading Independent Curriculum Group
Teaching in the Long Period
I added a page on Teaching in the Long Period (an edited version of a recent blog post on this subject.)--Henri
Book Recommendations
A correspondent asked for book recommendations -- where do I get ideas? Actually, I get most of my ideas at conferences, in The Mathematics Teacher, and sometimes on the Web -- not so much from books any more. And of course, most importantly, I get ideas when trying to think differently about something I teach.Still,… Continue reading Book Recommendations
Web 2.0?
As I mentioned in a previous post, I am working on launching a math teachers' network, with the theme "Escape from the Textbook!". People have suggested these options for sharing files and ideas: edWeb, Google Docs, Google Groups, Google Wave, LinkedIn, Ning, ProjectSpace, WikiSpaces. My Web site is also available -- should that be helpful… Continue reading Web 2.0?
Computers in math education
Last summer, as part of the Center for Innovative Teaching Tech Symposium, I gave a talk on the use of computers in math education. The audience was school leaders (administrators who focus on educational leadership), not math teachers, so I had to take a couple of steps back, and think about the question in terms… Continue reading Computers in math education
