Strengths-Based Teaching and Learning in Mathematics

Foreword Introduction - An Invitation to Turnaround Why Strengths-Based Instruction? Who is Strengths-Based Mathematics Teaching For? What are Mathematics Strengths we See in Students? Exploring Your Own Math Identity Moving to a Strengths-Based Perspective Practices that Build a Strengths Cycle The Five Teaching Turnarounds Chapter 1 - Identify Your Teaching Strengths What Do You Believe About Your Students' Learning? What Do Students Think You Believe? Summary Chapter 2 - Turnaround Mathematical Proficiencies, Processes, and Practices Building Mathematical Proficiency Through a Strengths-Based Lens Building Mathematical Practices and Dispositions Through a Strengths-Based Lens Building Strengths in Problem Solving Building Strengths in Communication Building Strengths in Reasoning and Proof Building Strengths in Connections Building Strengths in Representations Summary Chapter 3 - Your Students' Mathematics Content Strengths Building Mathematical Content Knowledge Through a Strengths-Based Lens Building and Recognizing Strengths in the Meaning of Number and Operations and Algebraic Thinking Count to show how numbers represent quantity Count to show how numbers represent quantity Develop Strategies to Add, Subtract, Multiply, and Divide Building and Recognizing Strengths in Understanding Number and Operations - Fractions Building and Recognizing Strengths in Geometry van Heile's Geometric Conceptual Understanding Level 0: Visualization van Heile's Geometric Conceptual Understanding Level 1: Analysis Summary Chapter 4 - Turnaround Grouping Practices Planning Effective Strength-Based Instruction Fixed versus Flexible Grouping Practices Long-Term Whole-Class Ability Grouping Small-Group In-Class Ability Grouping Flexible Grouping Strategies Strength's Based Flexible Grouping Practices Mixed-Strength Whole-Group Instruction Homogeneous-Strength Small Groups Targeted Small Group Instruction Through a Strengths-Based Lens Summary Chapter 5 - Turnaround Tasks High Cognitive Tasks Turnaround a Task: Designing a Personalized, Strengths-Based Instructional Task Individualized Personalization Funds of Knowledge Three Perspectives for Adapting a Task to Support Student's Strengths Access and Equity Mathematical Goals Formative Assessment Promoting Strengths Through Parallel Tasks Exploratory Discourse About Tasks Math Amendments: Revising the Task Solution Summary Chapter 6 - Turnaround Feedback The Importance of Feedback in a Strengths-Based Classroom Teacher-to-Student Feedback From a Strengths Perspective Teacher to Student Feedback Loop Elements of Teacher to Student Feedback Student-to-Teacher Feedback from a Strengths Perspective Prior to the Lesson During the Lesson Closing the Lesson Student-to-Student Feedback from a Strengths Perspective Classroom-Based Formative Assessment and Feedback Observation Interview Show Me Hinge Question Exit Task Summary Chapter 7 - Turnaround Students' Identities Windows and Mirrors Our Teacher Mirror Translation Task Don't Miss an Opportunity to Recognize a Student's Points of Power Students' Productive Dispositions Students Self Analyze their Strong Points Summary Chapter 8 - Turnaround Professional Learning Communities Supporting Teachers' Strengths The Appreciative Inquiry (AI) Framework Whole School Agreement Summary Chapter 9 - Turnaround Family Communication Engaging Families in Strengths-Based Talk Incorporating Family and Community Strengths Working Together to Share Mathematical Ideas Family Math Resources Conferences with Family Members from a Strengths-Based Perspective Summary Epilogue - Turnaround Reflection References

Beth McCord Kobett, EdD, is Professor of Education and Associate Dean at Stevenson University, where she leads, teaches and supports early childhood, elementary, and middle preservice teachers in mathematics education. She is a former classroom teacher, elementary mathematics specialist, adjunct professor, and university supervisor. Beth also served as the Director of the First Year Seminar program at Stevenson University. She recently completed a three-year term as an elected Board Member for the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and was the former president of the Association of Maryland Mathematics Teacher Educators (AMMTE). Beth leads professional learning efforts in mathematics education both regionally and nationally. Beth is a recipient of the Mathematics Educator of the Year Award from the Maryland Council of Teachers of Mathematics (MCTM) and the Johns Hopkins University Distinguished Alumni Award. Beth also received Stevenson University's Rose Dawson Award for Excellence in Teaching as both an adjunct and full-time faculty member. Beth believes in fostering a strengths-based community with her students and strives to make her learning space inviting, facilitate lessons that spark curiosity and innovation, and cultivate positive productive struggle. Karen S. Karp is a professor in the School of Education at Johns Hopkins University. Previously, she was a professor of mathematics education in the Department of Early and Elementary Childhood Education at the University of Louisville, where she received the President's Distinguished Teaching Award and the Distinguished Service Award for a Career of Service. She is a former member of the board of directors of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and a former president of the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (AMTE). She is a member of the author panel for the What Works Clearinghouse Practice Guide on assisting elementary school students who have difficulty learning mathematics for the U.S. Department of Education Institute of Educational Sciences. She is the author or coauthor of approximately 20 book chapters, 50 articles, and 30 books, including Elementary and Middle School Mathematics: Teaching Developmentally, Developing Essential Understanding of Addition and Subtraction for Teaching Mathematics, and Inspiring Girls to Think Mathematically. She holds teaching certifications in elementary education, secondary mathematics, and K-12 special education.