Upper Elementary Math Lessons: Case Studies of Real Teaching

Interest in improving the mathematics proficiency of US schoolchildren continues to build, as evidenced by many states’ recent adoption of the Common Core State Standards. While many works address the theoretical and practical underpinnings needed to deliver exemplary math instruction, few explore how this looks in practice. To meet this need, Graeber (emer., Univ. of Maryland), Valli (Univ. of Maryland), and Newton (Temple Univ.) have written a collection of case studies. Each chapter provides a case study that explores a range of subject matter as delineated by standards, a variety of pedagogical approaches, and a mixture of instructor experience levels and learning settings. The standards covered explore subject matter including measurement, geometry, estimation, and basic operations. Metacognitive approaches such as scaffolding, accessing prior knowledge and addressing misconceptions, and using high-level questions and demanding multiple representations are shared. Learning settings include advanced, English as a second language, and intervention settings. The case studies are brief and are followed by guiding questions and teacher commentaries that give a professional perspective. Realistic and practical. Summing Up:Highly recommended. General readers, undergraduate students, and professionals.

All the cases in this groundbreaking book have the characteristics of good cases: they portray real events, involve engaging characters, convey on-the-spot decisions made by the teachers, and call for critical evaluation. Graeber and Valli provide the community, not only with good cases but also with thoughtful reflections, in the form of short commentaries, by a variety of relevant voices and various perspectives. I am eager to use these cases in my own teacher education courses.