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MATH METHODS TEST 1 EXAM QUESTIONS AND
1. According to our book what are factors that influence the teaching of
Mathematics effective?: According to our book, the two most important factors to
consider in becoming an effective teacher of mathematics are conceptual under-
standing and procedural fluency. If we think about it, do we just want our students to
know formulas and facts? Or, do we want our students to know why that formula and
mathematical equation is important in life and where they will use it in the future?
As future educators, we want our students to know why mathematics is important
and how it is used in our every day lives. It is more than just some formulas, facts,
and equations. We also want our students to know how to apply different procedures
to different problems so they use them accurately and appropriately. Therefore, this
is why it is important that teachers emphasize procedural fluency. Mathematics is
about analyzing and reflecting on different procedures and processes to ensure the
right method or procedure is being used to enhance results. Another way to look at
these factors is analyzing a doctor or nurse. Our textbook reminds us how medicine
and techniques have evolved over the years. Therefore, would you just want a doctor
or nurse performing a technique on you that worked 10 years ago? Or, would you
want that doctor or nurse to reflect and analyze which technique might work better
since medicine and techniques have come such a long way since 10 years ago? The
same goes for mathematics. Mathematics has evolved and changed so much in the
past 10 years so it is our responsibility as future educators to emphasize conceptual
understanding and procedural fluency. This will ensure our students become critical
thinkers and are reflecting on mathematics in a more in-depth context. or Knowledge
of standards and practices.
2. The mathematical needs in society have changed and are influencing what
should be taught in pre-K-8 mathematics classrooms. What are some key
factors promoting the change?: Data on the performance of U.S. students in
national and international studies.
3. What did the National Assessment of Educational Progress reveal about
grades 4 and 8 achievement in 2015? How did the U.S. students performed
at the International?: In the most recent NAEP mathematics assessment in 2015,
less than half of all U.S. students in grades 4 and 8 performed at the desirable
levels of proficient and advanced (40 percent in fourth grade and 33 percent in
eighth grade) -- students' performance in 2015 still reveals disappointing levels of
competency. For the first time in 25 years the number of students performing at
