MEETING THE CHALLENGES OF CHANGE The Math Education of Teachers Judy Sunley November 2001

Implementation

Challenges: The Top 5 l No one wants change but a wet baby. l The greatest enemy of the better is the good, particularly if it costs less. l There are no proofs in math education. l When there are multiple solutions, no single answer is right. l There is more to education than mathematics.

Converting Challenges to Stimuli l Math community now experienced as change agents. l Where we are is not “good enough.” l Number of people is growing. l Research base supports the effort. l Grappling with really hard problems.

Seeds for Further Thought (1) l Mathematical Education of Teachers »Knowledge “quite different” from that required by other students? »CBMS/MET disconnect with TIMSS? l Education of Teachers »Outside the traditional undergraduate teacher preparation paradigm? »Pre-service/in-service continuum

Seeds for Further Thought (2) l Elements of Social Change Processes »Assessment »Theories, models, intermediate outcomes »Diffusion of information within and across networks »Interactions in multidisciplinary groups