Mathematics Teachers Preparation Improvement Project

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This project will develop materials for two mathematics courses for preservice teachers, one course for teachers at the elementary-middle school level and one for teachers at the high school level. The related theme of the courses is teaching and learning with computing technology. The course for K-8 preservice teachers will center on probability and statistics. The materials development will include laboratory-based activities that integrate calculators and computers to motivate, enhance and reinforce the learning of probability and statistics. The course for secondary preservice teachers will involve students in active learning situations designed around cooperative and individual investigations of mathematical problems. Emphasis is placed on mathematical problem solving, mathematical modeling, and multiple representations of mathematics. Probability and statistics will be the setting for some of the problems. Computer technology is used to generate data, perform statistical analyses, sketch graphs, draw geometric figures, approximate solutions to equations, and carry out algorithms. The materials from both courses will be disseminated widely with a special focus on the teacher preparation institutions within Michigan. The NCTM Standards will be the basis for decisions about curriculum to be included and instructional strategies to be used. The project team will be supported by a team of advisors from other teacher education institutions within Michigan and from other states. The advisors have been selected for their expertise in technology, mathematics, and statistics. Teachers will also be involved as advisors in the project. The cost sharing will be 50% of the NSF funding for the project.