Preparing Secondary Mathematics Teachers Using Video Cases of Student Thinking With a Focus on Functional Reasoning

• In Event: Hilton Roundtable Session 12
  In Roundtable Session: Understanding Students' Thinking in Math Classrooms

Abstract

Functional reasoning, critical for success within the secondary mathematics curriculum, is a known topic of student struggle. Instruction that builds upon students' initial mathematical ideas can ameliorate this struggle. In an effort to improve prospective secondary mathematics teachers' (PSMTs) ability to interpret and build upon student thinking, we developed video-based online instructional modules focused on students' functional reasoning. Analyses of the initial design experiments conducted on these modules reveal interesting patterns in PSMTs' responses. In particular, the data indicate PSMTs' own problem-solving approach can limit their ability to interpret student work.

Authors

• Laurie O. Cavey, Boise State University

• Patrick R. Lowenthal, Boise State University

• Michele Carney, Boise State University

• Jason Libberton

• Tatia Totorica, Boise State University