Below are book recommendations from the ATMIM Board on the topics of Math, Education, and Teaching Math.
This engaging and practical book takes research findings and applies them to teaching and learning mathematics for the success of all students. Jo Boaler, math educator and researcher, applies Carol Dweck's concept of 'mindset' into math teaching. It provides practical steps to improve math teaching and learning. Explanations of brain processes in learning mathematics and the importance of mistakes as valuable learning experiences are applauded. Examples of engaging problems and tasks and their varied solutions are graphically displayed. Math teachers at all grade levels would find this book valuable. - Joan Martin, Director
Make it Stick: The Science of Successful Learning by Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger III, and Mark A. McDaniel
The book shows how many of the conventional ways that are used to teach don't help students to really learn for the long term. It also emphasizes the necessity of productive struggle for deep understanding and that sometimes teaching methods that seem easiest to help students to learn quickly aren't always best. - Sandy Ollerhead, Secretary
Yes, But Why? Teaching for Understanding in Mathematics by Ed Southall
The book focuses on the question of "why" in regards to numerous mathematical topics taught in grades K-12, such as why the product of two negative numbers is positive and why fraction arithmetic works the way it does. In addition, it incorporates practical teaching tips and makes suggestions for how the topics can be approached in the classroom. - Jason Hardin, Director
Captivate, Activate, and Invigorate the Student Brain in Science and Math for grades 6 - 12 by John Almarode and Ann Miller
The book discusses the recipe for an engaged brain, presents each ingredient in a chapter and explains the brain science behind it. The author gives ready to use strategies and examples to help make each ingredient classroom ready. - Nancy Johnson, President
The Clockwork Universe by Edward Dolnick
This book provides a fascinating look at what was happening in the world of scientific thought that made it possible for the discovery of Calculus. - Steven Rattendi, Past-President
Becoming the Math Teacher You Wish You'd Had by Tracy Johnston Zager
Each chapter describes strategies which encourage teachers to ask questions that promote thinking and encourage children to learn from mistakes and take risks. - Susan Weiss, NCTM Representative
*Tracy is one of the Keynote speakers for the Fall 2017 ATMNE Conference which will be held in Foxboro, MA on November 2-3.
Kiss My Math! by Danika McKeller
For anyone who, like me, needs a different approach to learning about math, especially algebra, this book is for you. I enjoyed her unique ways to memorize algebraic relationships and terms. -Michele Lippens, Publicity/Media Chair
Coincidences, Chaos, and All That Math Jazz by Burger and Starbird
This book offers explanations of real world mathematical phenomena without using hard to understand language. - John Bookston, Newsletter Chair
Nix the Tricks by Tina Cardone and the MTBoS
This free download is a treatise against math tricks and shortcuts that the teachers of the online community of math educators known as MTBoS put together, led by Salem, MA math teacher Tina Cardone. This book is full of all those shortcut tricks that students seem to know but do not know why or when to use and it provides alternative ways to present the mathematics for deeper understanding. - Cole Gailus, Newsletter Editor