Assignment:
Observe an elementary mathematics lesson. Write an essay that addresses the following issues and summarizes your observations:
(1) What is the importance of having standards in mathematics? How do standards improve mathematics instruction? Compare and contrast traditional mathematics programs versus constructivist-type programs in addressing the standards. What are some of the limitations of both types of programs? Use scholarly research to defend your rationale.
(2) What was the objective(s) of the lesson?
(3) What National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) standards were addressed?
(4) What is the importance of having standards in mathematics? How do standards improve mathematics instruction?
(5) What types of methods did you observe the teacher using? Give specific examples to support your observations?
(6) Did the teacher differentiate instruction within a diverse classroom? If so, how? If not, how might the teacher have differentiated the instruction in a diverse classroom?
(7) Was technology used in the instruction of the math lesson? If so, how was technology used? If not, how could technology be used in this math lesson?
(8) Did the teacher use any concrete or manipulative objects, and, if so, did the teacher use them effectively?
(9) How did the teacher assess learning in the classroom? Name the types of assessments used.
(10) What changes might you have made to the lesson?