Preservice mathematics teachers are entrusted with developing their future students' interest in and ability to do mathematics effectively. Various policy documents place an importance on being able to reason about and prove mathematical claims. However, it is not enough for these preservice teachers, and their future students, to have a narrow focus on only one type of proof (demonstration proof), as opposed to other forms of proof, such as generic example proofs or pictorial proofs. This article examines the effectiveness of a course on reasoning and proving on preservice teachers' awareness of and abilities to recognize and construct generic example proofs. The findings support assertions that such a course can and does change preservice teachers' capability with generic example proofs.
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Shiv Karunakaran, Ben Freeburn, Nursen Konuk, and Fran Arbaugh
Penny Cataldo
In addition to differentiating and developing curriculum, this teacher's transition to coaching in an early childhood setting involves a complex blend of mentoring teachers, teaching students, and discovering resources.
M. Lynn Breyfogle
This department publishes brief news articles, announcements, and guest editorials on current mathematics education issues that stimulate the interest of TCM readers and cause them to think about an issue or consider a specific viewpoint about some aspect of mathematics education. This month, the chair of the TCM Editorial Panel welcomes readers to a new academic year; and the Coaches' Corner suggests ways for math specialists to intrinsically motivate teachers.
Katherine D. Gimmestad and Maryann E. Huey
Share news about happenings in the field of elementary school math education, views on matters pertaining to teaching and learning mathematics in the early childhood or elementary school years, and reactions to previously published opinion pieces or articles.
Christine A. Noddin
Share news about happenings in the field of elementary school math education, views on matters pertaining to teaching and learning mathematics in the early childhood or elementary school years, and reactions to previously published opinion pieces or articles.
