Brain-Compatible Mathematics 2nd Ed.

Description:
'This is an interesting book with many good ideas - for both classroom ideas and for changing the way we view assessment. For those needing extra ideas for develop their teaching this is an ideal book' - Peter Hall, Imberhorne School, East Grinstead Each brain is different, and when teachers teach problem-solving skills to help students arrive at their own solutions, students go beyond mere memorization of facts to being an actual participant in the development of mathematical understanding. In an informative and relevant approach, Diane Ronis presents teachers and mathematics co-ordinators with an emphasis on thinking, mathematical representation, and construction of ideas and an abundance of: Sample lessons, units, and strategies Brain-friendly strategies for maths teaching How-to guides for creating more brain-tuned maths teaching Ideas for incorporating technology into the maths curriculum Planning templates for immediate use By integrating maths learning into real-world applications, students can actively practice what they learn, make meaning out of their everyday experiences, and think mathematically for success within today's information age.

Review:
'Ronis grounds her pedagogy in the current understanding of how the brain operates and in multiple intelligences. This book provides rich classroom examples with management tools to move teachers immediately into practice.' -- From the Foreword by Bena Kallick 20060608 'Provides theory and practice and carefully grounds pedagogy in the current understanding of how the brain operates and multiple intelligences. The book offers rich classroom examples with management tools to move teachers immediately into practice.' -- Bena Kallick, Educational Consultant 20060613 'A fine key to successful teaching: it takes advantage of a student's natural inclination to learn and pairs this with the latest brain research on learning to provide a set of lessons and strategies linked to 200 UCTM standards. Any math teacher must read this.' -- California Bookwatch, December 2006 20061214

Table of Contents:
Foreword Preface Publisher's Acknowledgements Introduction About the Author 1. Performance-Based Learning and Assessment Traditional Versus Brain-Friendly Assessments Importance of Performance Assessment Alignment of Curriculum and Assessment Assessment as Continuous Monitoring Assessment as Tool for Learning Grades K-2 Units 2. The Six Pillars of Performance Task Development Set Up Clear Performance Goals Employ 'Authentic' Project Tasks Teach and Emphasize Criteria Levels and Performance Standards Provide Models and Demonstrations of Excellence Teach Strategies Explicitly Use Ongoing Assessments for Feedback and Adjustments Brain-Compatible Framework Grades 3-5 Units 3. Multiple Intelligences and Brain-Compatible Learning Theory of Multiple Intelligences Multiple Intelligences Model Assessment for Multiple Intelligences Grades 6-8 Units 4. Performance-Based Instructional Strategies Cooperative Learning Writing and Communicating in the Classroom Classroom Practice Challenge Project Unit 5. Problem-Solving Strategies Instructional Strategies Problem Exploration Heuristics Study Skills, Thinking Skills, and Thinking Processes Mnemonic Techniques Organizational Strategies Patterning Challenge Project Unit 6. Teaching and Assessing With the Rubric Scoring Rubrics Categories for Rubrics Types of Rubrics Brain-Compatible Assessment Challenge Project Unit 7. Teaching and Assessing With the Portfolio Student Evaluations Portfolio Assessment A Portfolio System Conclusion Principles and Standards for School Mathematics Glossary Resources Bibliography Index

Author Biography:
Diane Ronis is a professor of education at Southern Connecticut State University and has a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction. Her drive to make learning meaningful to all students comes from 17 years of teaching middle school and high school mathematics and fine arts as well as eight years of experience instructing preservice teachers at the college and graduate level. Ronis has been a presenter and keynote speaker at numerous conferences, workshops and seminars, and is the author of Brain Compatible Mathematics, Brain Compatible Assessments, Critical Thinking in Math, Problem Based Learning for Math & Science: Integrating Inquiry and the Internet, and Clustering Standards in Integrated Units.