Common Denominators

Engage students in learning mathematics while cultivating a sense of belonging. This helpful guide for secondary mathematics teachers shows you how to shape equitable classrooms by evaluating beliefs and practices that keep students and teachers stuck. Research-backed strategies and personal stories illustrate effective ways to resolve unproductive power dynamics, promote emotional literacy, and create a classroom environment conducive to optimal learning.This book will help secondary mathematics teachers:Develop strategies to discern the reasons students are struggling with mathematicsLearn sustainable methods for perceiving unasked questions and target solutions focused on underlying needsNavigate challenging classroom behaviorCultivate a supportive classroom environment and reframe zero-sum interactions with studentsEvaluate traditional grading and assessments and reform current practices to align with research-based best practice and students best interestsContents:Introduction: Teacher, Where You From?Part 1: What Our Students Say to UsChapter 1: I Don t Have a PencilChapter 2: When Am I Ever Going to Use This?Chapter 3: Not Today, Ms. LenhardtChapter 4: I m Always in Trouble!Chapter 5: I m Not a Math PersonPart 2: What We Say to One AnotherChapter 6: I Don t Give Grades; My Students Earn ThemChapter 7: If Only Students Knew Their FactsChapter 8: I Have 250 Students Every Semester. I Can t Possibly . . . EpilogueAppendix A: Research InfluencesAppendix B: Sources for Mathematics Tasks, Lessons, and Professional LearningReferences and ResourcesIndex