Integrating Problem Solving Into Mathematics Teaching: A Model and Demonstration Project

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This two-year project for teacher development is offered at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale for the purpose of enhancing mathematics education in the southern half of the state of Illinois. Sixty teachers, elementary and secondary, broken into appropriate grade level groupings, will be given the opportunity to receive on-campus instruction in Mathematics, problem-solving, the use of microcomputers in teaching, and to integrate the training received into classroom teaching. This project is based on a successful pilot program recently completed at SIU-Carbondale. In addition to the above objectives, a "community of scholars" will be created among these competent, enthusiastic teachers to continue the collegiality established and to maintain the impetus for improved mathematics education. A four-week program is planned for the first summer with a follow-up during the school year of twelve Saturday meetings, for the purposes of sharing experiences with each other and meeting with project staff and guest instructors of mathematics. Local school districts, the Renewal Institute for Practicing Teachers and the Education Service Centers are lending their support, financial as well as programmatic. This collaborative effort will result in teachers having the opportunity of earning sixteen credits from the University and benefiting from a good support system for the improvement of their classroom teaching. Dr. Jerry P. Becker is Professor of Mathematical Education at SIU- Carbondale and has had extensive experience in working with teachers through National Science Foundation funded programs and institutes in the United States and India. His responsibilities at the University include working with preservice teachers of mathematics. His Co-PI, Dr. Neal Foland has excellent credentials in Mathematics. They have assembled a very creditable staff of mathematicians and educators. This project offers a wide range of approaches aimed at the improvement of mathematics education throughout the K-12 grades through a collaborative project which involves important elements of the Southern Illinois educational community.