Math Tools, Grades 3-12: 64 Ways to Differentiate Instruction and Increase Student Engagement

Math Tools, Grades 3-12 presents a broad collection of mathematics instruction tools that promote active, in-depth learning and help ensure that all students meet high standards. The authors, experts with years of experience in mathematics education, combine the research on learning styles with 64 classroom-tested tools, and show teachers how to use them to differentiate instruction and meet the needs of all students. Organized around four mathematical learning styles/mastery, understanding, self-expressive, and interpersonal - this resource also covers lesson design and assessment using the math tools.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgments About the Authors 1. A User′s Guide to Learning Styles and Math Tools What Are Learning Styles and Why Do They Matter? How Do I Select the Right Tool for the Right Learning Situation? Five Ways to Use Math Tools 2. Mastery Math Tools Mastery Math Tools Matrix Knowledge Cards Memory Box Most Valuable Point (MVP) Mathematical Summaries Fist Lists and Spiders Procedural Notes Mathematical Conventions What′s Wrong? Mastery Review Convergence Mastery Practice Makes Perfect Mental Math War Vocabulary Knowledge Rating (VKR) Glossaries Word Walls Vocabulary Organizers 3. Understanding Math Tools Understanding Math Tools Matrix Always-Sometimes-Never (ASN) Support or Refute Stake Your Claim Learning From Clues Pattern Finding Math Rulebook P′s and Q′s Essential Question Notes (EQN) Compare and Contrast Mathematical Analogies Three-Way Tie Which One Doesn′t Belong? Yes, But Why? Yes, But Why^3? Show Me 4. Self-Expressive Math Tools Self-Expressive Math Tools Matrix Picture = 1,000 Words 3-D Approach: Algebraic, Graphical, and Numerical M + M: Math and Metaphors Math Recipe Cinquains Write to Learn MATHEMATICS Writing Frames Storytellers Math Is Everywhere Group and Label And the Question Is . . . ? What If? Making Up Is Fun to Do Create Your Own Divergent Thinking 5. Interpersonal Math Tools Interpersonal Math Tools Matrix Bring Your "A" Game Paired Learning Peer Coaching Where in the World? Real-World Connections What′s Your Favorite? Who′s Right? Reflective Writing Writing About the Problem of the Day Test Feedback Range Finder Math Boggle Vocabulary Games Cooperative Structures for Promoting Positive Interdependence 6. Designing Lessons, Assessments, and Units in All Four Styles Task Rotation Assessment Menus A Test Worth Taking The Seven P′s References Index

About the Author :
Harvey F. Silver, president of Silver Strong & Associates and Thoughtful Education Press, was named one of the 100 most influential teachers in the country. He has conducted numerous workshops for school districts and state education departments throughout the United States. He was the principal consultant for the Georgia Critical Thinking Skills Program and the Kentucky Thoughtful Education Teacher Leadership Program. Silver is the author of several educational bestsellers, including So Each May Learn: Integrating Learning Styles and Multiple Intelligences and Teaching Styles and Strategies, both published by the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Design. With Richard Strong, Silver developed The Thoughtful Classroom—a renowned professional development program based on the commitment to “make students as important as standards.” John Brunsting is a mathematics teacher, a staff development specialist, and an author. John serves schools as a teacher and coach as well as a mathematics consultant on practical, style-based tools and strategies. He is a coordinator for Illinois Advanced Placement Institutes and cofounder of Mathematics & Technology Institutes, teacher training organizations committed to the instructional excellence of teachers. Previously an AP Calculus Exam Committee member, John coauthored Preparing for the AP Calculus Examination (2006). In 2008, John coauthored the best-selling Math Tools, Grades 3-12: 64 Ways to Differentiate Instruction and Increase Student Engagement. He has presented at national and international conferences for the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics (NCSM), the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), the Japan Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (JASCD), Teachers Teaching with Technology (T3), and the International Conference on Computers in Education (ICCE). Terry Walsh has been a mathematics trainer and consultant for nearly 20 years. After retiring from math and administrative positions in two suburban Chicago high schools, In addition to developing Thoughtful Classroom strategies, Terry was one of the founding editor’s of the EightySomething! graphing calculator newsletter. He not only used the strategies in this book in his own classes, he has worked with teachers across the country to help them do the same. He has also incorporated ideas from Math Tools into a variety of Pre-AP Mathematics workshops that he has been leading for the College Board. Terry has led Pre-AP Math and Learning Styles workshops across the U.S as well as in Europe. He has presented at international, national, state, and local mathematics conferences sponsored by such organizations as NCTM, the Illinois and Colorado Councils of Teachers of Mathematics, Teachers Teaching with Technology (T3), and the metropolitan Math Club of Chicago (MMC). After “retirement”, Terry moved to Colorado. His commitment to educating students and his love of Mathematics brought Terry back into schools—first as the Secondary Math Instructional Coach for Fort Lupton schools and then as a Principal of a secondary charter school. Terry now actively consults with both pre-service and experienced teachers throughout the country to help them incorporate effective mathematics strategies in their classes in order to increase student learning. You can contact him at: trterryw@yahoo.com.

Review :
"A valuable resource to help teachers differentiate instruction according to student learning styles. The learning matrices provide a user-friendly reference tool for designing lessons." "The authors have once again taken research and translated it into practical applications. This resource will enhance every math educator′s classroom and increase student learning." "A user-friendly instructional resource that makes differentiating mathematics instruction manageable for all educators. The matrices provide an overview for administrators and teachers that connects active mathematics learning experiences to the NCTM process standards and research-based best practices to craft meaningful and effective classroom instruction." "From designing lessons and linking them to NCTM standards to understanding how design translates to classroom action, this book offers a powerful key to success."