Insights on Algebra Teacher Challenges and Preparation

20min Snip

00:00

Play full episode

Summary

Transcript

Episode notes

The chapter explores the challenges faced by algebra teachers based on insights from a survey, discussing student abilities and preparedness issues. It touches on the debate surrounding tracking and ability grouping, emphasizing the importance of understanding diverse student preparation levels and quality instructional materials. The process of selecting research articles for recommendations, focusing on evidence standards and the importance of balancing conceptual understanding with procedural skills in math education, is also covered.

In this episode, math professor Anna Stokke is joined by education policy expert, Dr. Tom Loveless. They discuss the National Math Advisory Panel and some of the recommendations in from its final report. They talk about the influential 1989 NCTM standards and their global impact on math education as well as the history of the math wars.

Tom discusses some of his concerns about the California Math Framework and whether its recommendations are aligned with those in the National Math Advisory Panel report. They cover many other topics such as San Francisco’s unsuccessful de-tracking initiative and the importance of memorizing math facts. This episode is a must listen for anyone who teaches math, as well as parents and policymakers.

PREVIOUS EPISODES MENTIONED

Red flags in education research with Ben Solomon (Ep 23)

Modern relevance in the math curriculum with Brian Conrad (Ep 15)

California’s math controversy with Jelani Nelson, Part I (Ep 11)

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-25-transcript

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-25-resources

MUSIC

Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it

Blue Dot Sessions – Avoiding the Backdrop, Godmother’s Visit, Lakeside Path, Momentary Ease, Sonatina Kemf

Komiku – Bleu