Math Matters - Part 2 - AFT's ER&D Thinking Math
Thinking Math participants learn the research concepts behind mathematical understanding, examine their implications on teaching practice, and practice research-based high-yield instructional strategies.
Every course is based on mathematical concepts recognized by the National Council for
the Teaching of Mathematics (NCTM) and Florida New Generation Sunshine State Standards. To handle the depth and breadth of the mathematics curriculum, Thinking Math
is divided into four strands: TM I, TM II, TM III, and TM for Middle School – A Journey to Algebra. Below is a short summary of each course. Please click on the appropriate link for a full course overview of each strand:
* TM I focuses on counting (number sense) and the additive structure (addition and subtraction) across the
K-12 curriculum: (AFT TM1.pdf)
* TM II continues TM I Ten Principles and explores the multiplicative structure across the K-12 mathematics
curricula: (AFT TM2.pdf)
* TM III extends the application of the Ten Principles to fractions, decimals and ratios, why students have
difficulty with decimal fractions, and techniques to make multiplication and division of fractions
make sense: (AFT TM3.pdf)
* TM for Middle School: Journey to Algebra provides content, strategies and hands-on activities to help
middle school students make connections and move them from concrete concepts to the abstract thinking
required in algebra: (AFT TMMS.pdf)
There are commonalities across the TM courses. TM participants examine significant properties, patterns and
relationships. All courses use situational story problems, manipulatives and multiple strategies designed to clarify and deepen the teachers’ understanding of mathematical concepts. Participants, then, learn high interest techniques to help their students comprehend and solve real world problems.
The recent American Educator, the Professional Journal of the American Federation of Teachers, is devoted to
Mathematics education. Click here to access the electronic version:
http://www.aft.org/pubs-reports/american_educator/issues/fall2009/index.htm
Many local associations have Thinking math trainers. Download current list of TM trainers and their local affiliate. If you are interested in participating in or providing Thinking Math courses for your association, please contact Charley McClaren at charley.mcclaren@floridaea.org.
