Both the Common Core State Standards (CCSSI 2010) and the NCTM Process and Content Standards distinguish between Standards for Mathematical Practice (SMP) and standards for mathematical content. We believe this distinction is important and note that students often acquire knowledge of mathematical content without necessarily developing the related…

Working with language-independent logic structures can help students develop both inductive and deductive reasoning skills. The Japanese publisher Nikoli (with resources available both in print and online) produces a treasure trove of language-independent logic puzzles. The Nikoli print resources are mostly in Japanese, creating the extra…

Rich mathematical modeling activities are crucial to giving students agency and making mathematics meaningful. Proportional reasoning and transitional algebraic reasoning are the primary topics in the prealgebra curriculum, so a need exists for meaningful modeling activities using proportional reasoning in addition to geometric modeling. In…

The Common Core State Standards (CCSSI 2010) for Mathematical Practice have relevance even for those not in CCSS states because they describe the habits of mind that mathematicians--professionals as well as proficient school-age learners--use when doing mathematics. They provide a language to discuss aspects of mathematical practice that are of…

Many students share a certain amount of discomfort when encountering proofs in geometry class for the first time. The logic and reasoning process behind proof writing, however, is a vital foundation for mathematical understanding that should not be overlooked. A clearly developed argument helps students organize their thoughts and make…

This article argues that the practices of reasoning and sense making are critical for developing students' mathematical literacy. Seven mathematics teachers collaborated throughout a school year to discuss the ideas proposed in Reasoning and Sense Making (NCTM 2009) and put them into practice through action research. Conducting action research,…

The Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSM) (CCSSI 2010) propose a new vision for the mathematics classroom with updated content standards and Standards for Mathematical Practice (SMP). These practices are founded on NCTM processes (Problem Solving, Reasoning and Proof, Communication, Representation, and Connections) and abilities…

Research over the past few decades points to ways precalculus and calculus courses can be strengthened to improve student learning in these courses. This research has informed the development of the Algebra and Precalculus Concept Readiness (APCR) and the Calculus Concept Readiness (CCR) assessments. In this article, the authors present three…

Although many factors affect students' mathematical activity during a lesson, the teacher's selection and implementation of tasks is arguably the most influential in determining the level of student engagement. Mathematical tasks are intended to focus students' attention on a particular mathematical concept and it is the careful developing and…

The task shared in this article provides geometry students with opportunities to recall and use basic geometry vocabulary, extend their knowledge of area relationships, and create area formulas. It is characterized by reasoning and sense making (NCTM 2009) and the "Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others"…

Although traditional textbooks may not guide students through explorations or encourage group work, as many standards-based curricula do, virtually all textbooks contain mathematically accurate information and problems that, with adjustment, can be leveraged to support mathematical curiosity, reasoning, and discussion. Teachers who recognize rich…

For many students, making connections between mathematical ideas and the real world is one of the most intriguing and rewarding aspects of the study of mathematics. In the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSI 2010), mathematical modeling is highlighted as a mathematical practice standard for all grades. To engage in mathematical…

Have you ever considered how technology could facilitate reasoning and sense making of systems of linear inequalities? In this article, the authors share how to use Google® Maps® and Desmos to achieve this and provide students with opportunities to access mathematics as they build a more formalized understanding. Using an inquiry-based approach,…

Encouraging students to reason with quantitative relationships can help them develop, understand, and explore mathematical models of real-world phenomena. Through two examples--modeling the motion of a speeding car and the growth of a Jactus plant--this article describes how teachers can use six practical tips to help students develop quantitative…

In their years of teaching geometry, Wong and Bukalov realized that the greatest challenge has been getting students to improve their reasoning. Many students have difficulty writing formal proofs--a task that requires a good deal of reasoning. Wong and Bukalov reasoned that the solution was to divide the lessons into parallel tasks, allowing…