Advancements in computing have led to increased interest in integrating computational thinking in the K-12 curriculum. Computational thinking can be defined as a problem-solving process with the goal of developing algorithms that can be coded for computer use. With its emphasis on problem solving, the processes associated with computational…

When discussing mobile learning (or M-Learning), many educators tend to focus on the affordances of the technology. In this article, the authors feature the M-Learning Framework as a way to view the effective use of mobile devices. The framework includes three key features: (1) authenticity; (2) personalization; and (3) collaboration. These…

Often, when middle-school students make mistakes, they tend to erase their work and record the correct answer without trying to understand what led to the mistake. In response, this article describes three opportunities educators can leverage for engaging students in the processes of reasoning and sense making about mathematics.

Given US students' lack of international competitiveness in mathematics and science, many states have adopted the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSM). To help ensure that the Standards for Mathematical Practice within the CCSSM and effective teaching practices are implemented appropriately, many teachers are emerging as teacher…

In this design case, we describe our work to develop a gameful learning design for use in an introductory, undergraduate biology laboratory course for science majors. Our design team included three university-based mathematics and science educators and a biologist responsible for the management of curriculum and instruction in the course under…

As 2020 draws to a close, so does this first volume of Mathematics Teacher: "Learning and Teaching PK-12" ("MTLT"). Ascribing to a digital-first philosophy, the articles comprising this first volume included digital assets such as classroom videos, author introductions, and digital applications (e.g., Desmos apps) and addressed…

Graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) are responsible for teaching the majority of biology undergraduate laboratory sections, although many feel underprepared to do so. This study explored the impact of biology GTA participation in a professional development model known as lesson study. Using a case study methodology with multiple qualitative data…

Several studies have found active learning to enhance students' motivation and attitudes. Yet, faculty indicate that students resist active learning and censure them on evaluations after incorporating active learning into their instruction, resulting in an apparent paradox. We argue that the disparity in findings across previous studies is the…

This study examined how a ninth grade teacher improved an Algebra I lesson through a lesson study approach. We used multiple data sources to investigate the improvement of the lesson towards student-centered mathematics instruction, perceived benefits of the teacher, and factors associated with the improvement of teaching. The lesson group…

The purpose of this article is to explore the usefulness of a video-based tool for measuring teachers' mathematical knowledge for teaching. Unique to this tool is the use of a video featuring a mathematical disagreement that occurred in an elementary classroom. The authors define mathematical disagreements as instances in which students challenge…

Two potentially impactful conceptions of mathematics and mathematics teaching, teachers' implicit theories (i.e., mindset) toward intelligence and mathematical ability, have not been well examined in the literature. This study established baseline characteristics for these constructs across grades K-12 teachers through a survey of background and…

In this article, three instructional situations demonstrate the value of using an "unknown" student's work to allow the advancement of students' mathematical thinking as well as their engagement in the mathematical practice of critiquing the reasoning of others: (1) introducing alternative solution strategies; (2) critiquing inaccuracies…

Middle-grades teachers and students can have different perspectives on the value of discussing students' mathematical mistakes, despite various classroom evidence that such discussions can help foster strong conceptual understanding. Some teachers consider student mistakes to be an opportunity to correct errors in individual student thinking.…

Given the need to improve mathematics education in the U.S. (National Research Council, 2013), calls have been made for doctoral programs to provide students with professional support in teaching preservice teachers (PSTs). Although progress has been made, many doctoral programs are not devoted to the professional development of their students as…

This article describes a process called "Backing Up" which is a way to preassess student understanding of a topic and gauge student readiness to move forward in the learning process. This process of backing up begins with using responses to a word problem to identify categories of students' understandings in relation to the expectations…