Modeling Mathematical Ideas

Modeling mathematical ideas offers teachers a practical guide to leading third- through eighth-grade students to develop strategic competence and to use models to solve cognitively demanding tasks.... A few main strengths of the book are the insights provided to readers about the implementation of the tasks and the inclusion of a variety of models that students use when solving the tasks.... The content of this book will help educators become skillful teachers of modelers and of the mathematical content associated with each task. The book is a good choice for teachers looking to implement modeling into their classroom. This is also a great resource for a preservice math methods course. * Teaching Children Mathematics *
The authors of Modeling Mathematical Ideas deconstruct the concepts of models and modeling, both from a mathematical perspective and a pedagogical perspective. Through a variety of examples from real research lesson experiences, called Lesson Study Vignettes, the authors bring to life the concepts and principles of models and modeling. Pre-service and practicing teachers will find the text is filled with multiple representations and technology examples, rich illustrations of students’ work, in-depth modeling exemplars, and a variety of engaging and real world problems to pursue. A must-read for any instructor who wants to become an expert on models and modeling! -- Patricia S. Moyer-Packenham, PhD, Professor, Mathematics Education, Director, Mathematics Education and Leadership Programs, Utah State University
This book is a great resource for mathematics teachers and professional development providers. The concepts are clearly presented using both classic and novel real-world problems to highlight the process of mathematical modeling through problem solving. The lesson study vignettes and student-work samples are great ways to generate discussions among teachers because they illustrate how teachers and students think about the concepts and engage in classrooms. I will definitely use this book in my mathematics methods courses and workshops! -- Dorothy Y. White, PhD, Associate Professor of Mathematics Education, University of Georgia
Modeling Mathematical Ideas provides strong support for how to help students develop strategic competence in K-8 mathematics. The lesson study vignettes, student work examples, discussion of the mathematics, suggestions for student solution sharing, and the many rich tasks makes this a pragmatic resource for individual teachers, as well as groups of teachers engaging in their own lesson studies! -- Jennifer M. Bay-Williams, PhD, University of Louisville