This is the summary of a presentation given at the Joint Mathematics Meetings, January 10-13, 1996, Orlando, Florida.

It is our experience that beginning teachers teach the same way that they were taught. Therefore, it is our firm belief that if we model the ways that we would like students to teach mathematics, they will tend to teach mathematics using those methodologies and techniques. Consequently we are devoting more class time to discussions, discovering ideas and projects that lead students to making connections. Students in the methods courses for teaching mathematics, K-4, 5-8 and 6-12 receive instruction in various aspects of technology and then are asked to develop materials and lessons using these areas of technology in a classroom situation. Preservice teachers use calculators that are appropriate for the grade level of the methods course and computer software that is appropriate for the grade level of the methods course; i.e. LOGO, Hypercard, word processing including graphics for all levels, Geometer's Sketchpad and spreadsheets, Derive, Mathematica, and Minitab. This presentation will include one example of a discovery lesson from each of the three methods courses and one example using a computer application from each of the three methods courses. Attenders at this session will be given a handout that has these six activities explained in detail as well as a verbal explanation of them and other types of projects that we do.

Dr. Leona L. Mirza
Professor of Mathematics Education
3225 W. Foster
Chicago, IL 60625-4895
email: lmirza@npcts.edu