SOURCE: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.

 

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - April 29, 2009) - Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. and The Math Forum @ Drexel University will collaborate to provide teacher training for the Mathematics in Context (MiC) middle-school curriculum beginning this fall.

The two organizations said they'll combine their resources to produce a rich package of six-week online courses for teachers using the Britannica-published MiC program. Courses not only will provide instruction on how best to use the curriculum but also introduce teachers to a network of colleagues using the same program and give them a wealth of digital resources to help them in their teaching and careers.

The facilitator-led courses, which will allow enrollees to go online to study and complete assignments at their convenience, will focus on strategies to solve problems selected from Mathematics in Context and real work done by students using the program. Teachers will submit their students' work online, examine it and discuss it with the facilitator and colleagues and evaluate student learning. Developed on the foundation of The Math Forum's extensive experience working with students and educators, the courses will help teachers develop their students' problem-solving strategies and gain confidence at all levels in solving interesting problems.

"Mathematics in Context emphasizes the dynamic nature of mathematics," said Trina Williams, director of mathematics with Encyclopaedia Britannica. "It recognizes that there are multiple paths to correct solutions and gives students latitude in finding strategies that work for them. Given that, it's valuable for teachers to look at the actual work students do and have a chance to discuss it with other teachers. That's what we'll concentrate on in the courses."

"We are pleased to be able to work with Encyclopaedia Britannica on this program as part of our mission of helping to address the challenges facing math educators," indicated Steve Weimar, Director of The Math Forum. "Specifically, this program will leverage the success the Math Forum has had in helping teachers get reluctant students, as well as mathematically talented ones, to engage in mathematical thinking and communication."

Interested schools or school districts can call 800-621-3900 or go to Britannica: http://info.eb.com.

The Math Forum @ Drexel: http://mathforum.org/

More on this announcement at http://snurl.com/gmrwe