Research in the Math Classroom: Using It and Doing It

Presented by Melissa Boston , Mike Steele and Margaret (Peg) Smith

The connections between mathematics education research and classroom practice are complex. Whether your “classroom” is in K-12 mathematics or mathematics teacher education, you’ve likely used strategies or curricula that are “research-based.” How do we strengthen the connections between research and practice in ways that are helpful in the day-to-day work of teaching? And what are the roles that classroom teachers and teacher educators can play in designing and doing research?

In this session, we explore NCTM’s recent position statement, Linking Research and Practice, to discuss these relationships. Attendees will consider how to be good consumers of research-based materials, discuss how they can engage in research in their own classrooms, and offer insights into how to bring research and classroom practice closer together. Dr. Margaret (Peg) Smith, lead author of the Taking Action and 5 Practices in Practice book series, will also share her insights on the importance of connecting research and practice to enhance mathematics teaching and learning.