Knowing and Teaching Elementary Mathematics: Teachers' Understanding of Fundamental Mathematics in China and the United States (Studies in Mathematical Thinking and Learning.)

This book describes the nature and development of the "profound understanding of fundamental mathematics that elementary teachers need to become accomplished mathematics teachers and suggests why such teaching knowledge is much more common in China than in the United States despite the fact that Chinese teachers have less formal education than their U.S. counterparts. The studies described in this volume suggest that Chinese teachers begin their teaching careers with a better understanding of elementary mathematics than that of most U.S. elementary teachers. Their understanding of the mathematics they teach andequally important - of the ways that elementary mathematics can be presented to students continues to grow throughout their professional lives. The concluding chapter of the book suggests changes in teacher preparation, teacher support, and mathematics education research that might allow teachers in the United States to attain profound understanding of fundamental mathematics.


Buy from Barnes & Noble     Compare Prices