Investigating the Impact of Math Teachers' Circles on Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching and Classroom Practice

数学教师圈子项目(MTC)通过提供暑期工作坊和全年持续交流，将数学家和中学数学教师联系起来。研讨会的重点是解决数学问题，并包括提供多个切入点的活动。这些工作坊的目的是为教学增加教师的数学知识，并帮助教师运用他们的知识来改善学生的数学学习。除了举办研讨会外，研究人员还在调查数学教师通过参加研讨会学到了什么，以及教师如何将所学知识运用到数学教学中。美国数学研究所(AIM)在阿尔伯克基、丹佛和旧金山湾区设有研究基地，为26个州的数学圈提供便利。他们的研究问题包括：(1)MTC模式是如何在当地实施的？(2)参加MTC对教师的数学知识教学有什么影响？(3)MTC参与对教师的数学方法和课堂实践有什么影响？基于课堂观察的12个案例研究，为教师如何使用他们的数学知识来规划、实施、评估和反思他们的教学提供了见解。数学教师圈的领导者和参与者通过AIM组织的数字网络联系在一起。为愿意成为当地数学教师圈的领导者和组织者的数学家提供讲习班，并向当地圈提供帮助。当地工作坊的目的是发展教师的教学知识、解决问题的技能和数学思维习惯。数学界补充了其他专注于教育学的专业发展努力。MTC模式包括五个标准：专注于内容、积极学习、连贯一致、大约50小时的专业发展和集体参与。预计参与者将继续在联网社区内工作，以发展他们的数学知识。研究工作是测量教师的数学知识，并进行案例研究，以调查MTC对数学教学的影响。他们正在录制课程，并使用数学教学质量观察方案。项目评估者来自科罗拉多州立大学。

The Math Teachers' Circles project (MTC) is connecting mathematicians and mathematics teachers in middle schools by offering summer workshops and continued communication throughout the year. The workshops focus on mathematical problem solving and include activities that offer multiple entry points. The goal of the workshops is to increase teachers' knowledge of mathematics for teaching and to help teachers use their knowledge to improve student learning of mathematics. In addition to conducting workshops, researchers are investigating what mathematics teachers learn by participating in the workshops and how teachers use what they have learned in their mathematics teaching. The American Institute of Mathematics (AIM) is facilitating Math Circles in 26 states with research sites in Albuquerque, Denver and San Francisco Bay area. Their research questions include: (1) How is the MTC model being implemented at local sites? (2) What are the effects of participation in a MTC on Teachers' Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching? (3) What is the impact of MTC involvement on teachers' approaches toward mathematics and classroom practice? Twelve case studies, based on classroom observations, are offering insights into how teachers use their mathematical knowledge in planning, implementing, assessing, and reflecting on their instruction.Math Teachers' Circle leaders and participants are connected by a digital network organized by AIM. Workshops are offered for mathematicians who would like to be leaders and organizers of local Math Teachers' Circles, and help is provided to local Circles. The purpose of the local workshops is to develop teachers' content knowledge, problem-solving skills, and mathematical habits of mind. The Math Circles supplement other professional development efforts that focus on pedagogy. The MTC model includes five criteria: content focus, active learning, coherence, approximately 50 hours of professional development, and collective participation. Participants are expected to continue to work within the networked community to develop their mathematical knowledge. The research effort is measuring teachers' mathematical knowledge and conducting case studies to investigate the impact of the MTC on mathematics teaching. They are videotaping lessons and using the Mathematical Quality of Instruction observation protocol. The project evaluator is from Colorado State University.