The 2008 UAMTE conference will be held
on
Saturday, February 23
at
Utah Valley University
in
Room SC 213B (student center)
A conference registration
form can be downloaded as well as a map
of UVU and driving directions
to campus.
Our keynote speaker will be
Beth Herbel-Eisenmann
from
Michigan State University
Abstract
“Discourse”
as an imperative in mathematics (teacher) education
In this talk, I draw on current literature to
make an argument for why it is imperative that we (as teacher educators
and mathematics teachers) pay conscious attention to our classroom discourse.
I argue that this is particularly important if we want to address equity
issues. After revisiting the Discourse Standards, we will explore a
rich example of a 3rd grade class discussion in order to examine the
teacher’s role, the student’s roles, and the role that tools
play in the discussion. I will then provide at least four reasons why
I believe classroom discourse is something that needs more careful and
thoughtful attention; this is especially true in mathematics where achievement
gaps are such an issue and where arguments have been made that mathematics
is a ‘gatekeeper’ for higher education. Finally, I provide
some examples of how this information can be used in teacher education.
Our annual conference will be held
every year on the fourth Saturday of February. It is
a one day conference with time for colleagues to share their current
work as well as time for working groups to discuss statewide issues
that are of current interest.