School of Education
Mathematics Pedagogy
Learn how to apply the best practices in teaching math to secondary school students
Enroll NowSample Course
$29.996 LessonsWorkshop
Overview

Do you struggle with finding meaningful ways to teach math to your students? This course is designed to empower you as a current and future mathematics educator to effectively teach your students and to implement new practices into your classroom. The course focuses on implementing best practices in the mathematics classroom. It also guides educators in how to utilize visuals and manipulatives in the classroom. 

In this course, educators will learn how to scaffold their teaching to support students with varying ability levels and to address learning gaps in math. One of the main objectives of this course is to illustrate how educators can begin implementing various teaching strategies to meet the needs of students and to build their confidence. Lastly, the course will look at how to create a discovery learning environment and to get away from only using direct instruction.

At the end of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Implement best practices related to teaching mathematics
  2. Utilize visuals and manipulatives in the classroom
  3. Scaffold their teaching to support students with varying ability levels and to address learning gaps
  4. Implement various strategies to meet the needs of students and build their confidence
  5. Create a discovery learning environment

This course is part of a teaching series intended for high school educators. The other courses available in this series are:

1. English Methods
2. The Fundamentals of Lesson Planning

This teaching series is made possible through a generous grant from The Minchin Family Foundation.

What You Earn
Topics
Instructor
Professor Chelsie Balli
School of Education

About the Course Author

Professor Chelsie Balli serves as the director of the quantitative reasoning program at Biola University. This role enhances the department’s contribution to the University’s core curriculum and requires a unique blend of mathematics and administrative expertise. Professor Balli believes that the integration of faith and learning is a key element of the educational theory and practice of a Christian University which includes equipping students for all aspects of life after college. She has also studied how confidence and understanding in mathematics are related to a person’s confidence and success in other areas of life, and she strives to equip her students with that very confidence. Professor Balli comes to Biola after nearly seven years of progressive leadership responsibility in Mathnasium Company Centers, an organization consisting of 1,000 stores worldwide enhancing the understanding of mathematics in children matched with her graduate education in curriculum and instruction.

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About Biola University's School of Education

The School of Education exists to train those who desire to make an impact as educators in classrooms, administration buildings, homeschools, the mission field and beyond. Our wide selection of rigorous, biblically centered academic offerings — ranging from undergraduate and graduate programs to teaching credentials and certificates, as well as K–12 as well as homeschool education through our Eight-Week Clinic Courses for grades 1 through 6 — makes the School of Education the premier institution for advancing your knowledge in the field of education.

Whether you’re an aspiring teacher, an experienced educator or current teacher looking to advance in your career, our unique blend of academic excellence and thoughtful mentorship will be sure to guide you to your goals. Throughout your studies, you’ll benefit from engaging with our fully doctored, full-time faculty and different learning opportunities available to you through our strong relationships in the field, making your journey at the School of Education one full of meaning, growth and impact.

Learn more about Biola University's School of Education!

Syllabus

What are the main goals that we hope to...
Overview
Foundations of Mathematics Instruction
Video
Developing Quantitative Reasoning Skills
Video
Engaging Students in the Math Classroom
Video
Reflection Questions
Reflection
Classroom Demonstration: Goals of Mathematics Instruction
Video
Post-Video Questions
Reflection
A Study of Intrinsic Motivation in the Classroom
Reading
In this lesson, we will focus on how to prepare...
Overview
Planning for Instruction
Video
Lesson Components and Structure
Video
Effective Strategies
Video
Reflection Activity
Reflection
Example: Teaching with Percents
Video
Classroom Demonstration: Planning Instruction
Video
Post-Video Questions
Reflection
Planning Instruction
Reading
Sample Lesson Plans in Mathematics
Reading
Creating a Lesson Plan
Resource
Effective teachers aim to meet the needs of...
Overview
Know Your Students
Video
Scaffolding, Chunking, and Interleaving
Video
Meeting the Needs of All Students
Video
Reflection Questions
Reflection
Classroom Demonstration: Meeting the Needs of All Students
Video
Post-Video Questions
Reflection
Strategies to Improve Students' Learning
Reading
The Effective Mathematics Classroom
Reading
Interleaving and Spaced Practice in Pedagogy
Reading
Algebra and Geometry content is central in...
Overview
Algebra and Geometry Strategies
Video
Ratios and Proportional Relationships
Video
Reflection Question
Reflection
Classroom Demonstration: Teaching Algebra and Geometry
Video
Post-Video Questions
Reflection
Paying Attention to Proportional Reasoning
Reading
Grade 6 Ratios & Proportional Relationship
Reading
Creating a Mini Lesson Plan
Resource
We will now cover the importance of Data...
Overview
Data Analysis
Video
Statistical Thinking
Video
Class Demonstration: Teaching Data Analysis and Statistics
Video
Post-Video Questions
Reflection
Preparing to Teach Data Analysis and Probability
Reading
Effective education includes a thorough...
Overview
All About Assessment
Video
Reflection Questions
Reflection
Classroom Demonstration: Modeling Assessment
Video
Post-Video Questions
Reflection
All About Assessment PDF Readings
Reading
Assessment Project
Resource
Course Evaluation
Resource

Course FAQ

Each lesson is designed to take approximately 2-4 hours, depending on how deeply you engage the assignments. Since this is a self-paced course, the time it will take you to complete it will depend on the speed with which you want to progress through the course.

No. The course contains everything you need to successfully complete it. There are resources recommended at the end of each lesson that you’re free to download if you wish to pursue further study on the course topics.

Since this course is designed as a completely self-paced experience, you will not have any interaction with the professor during the course.