Teaching practices, standards, and technology are constantly changing and evolving in education – especially the math classroom. If you are looking for professional development books for math teachers to enhance your math instruction, then I highly recommend starting with these six books. There are SO many books out there, but I reference these books often and use their practices daily. This is a list of my favorite books that are useful in any math classroom and teachers can implement immediately.
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I am a learner along with my students and I will research and change my practices to meet the needs of my current students.
How I learned in school may not be the best practice for teaching my students in today’s world.
Teachers should always strive to improve their craft. The day I feel like I have perfected my instruction should be the day I leave the classroom because there is always room for improvement.
These six books are my favorite professional development books for math teachers that are easy to read and implement immediately.
What are best practices in the math classroom?
I believe the best practices in the math classroom will have the students at the center of everything going on. It has to be about the students and for the students.
There are so many diverse teaching methods when it comes to mathematics, but over the past year I have really embraced some new methods. I am a perfectionist and typical type A personality that is often seen in math teachers. For me to give up some control and allow students to lead has been a challenge.
Starting a this school year, I went in with a new mindset:
- Less is more
- Start out slow to go fast
- The one doing the most teaching is also doing the most learning
- It is ok to fail (this was more directed at myself because I want every lesson to be a success) I have always tried to instill a growth mindset in my students, but I often overlooked myself.
The following professional development books for math teachers describe ways to improve student engagement, thinking, and understanding. These books helped shape my new mindset. I do not stick to one method all the time.
I teach math just like I eat – everything should be in moderation and too much of one thing isn’t good.
Try to find a few new strategies to keep in your pocket and pull them out when you need them.
1. Visible Learning for Mathematics, Grades K-12
Visible Learning in Mathematics explains when to use different educational approaches such as collaborative work, rich tasks, number talks, problem-based learning, direct instruction, etc. When you choose the right approach at the right time, learning becomes visible. This combines current mathematical research and John Hattie’s research to give you tools to bring students to a high-level mathematical learning.
The companion website is helpful to see visible learning in action through video clips and access to planning tools that include instructional strategies.
2. Concept-Based Mathematics, Teaching for Deep Understanding in Secondary Classrooms
Jennifer Wathall expands on the work from Lynn Erickson and Lois Lanning on concept-based mathematics. Together, their goal is to make math enjoyable and accessible to all students through content that is intellectually and emotionally engaging.
There is a companion website with very helpful lessons that model concept-based curricula and worksheets to help you plan lessons.
3. Open Middle Math, Problems that Unlock Student Thinking, Grades 6-12
This book is wonderful to get students thinking. I use at least three of these problems each unit. Students are tasked with blank boxes and must place integers (usually 1 – 9 or -9 – 9) at most one time to make true statements or attempt to create the largest outcome.
My students really get into it and love to see what other groups/students come up with.
If you would like to know more about Open Middle Math, visit Robert Kaplinsky’s website. He offers a lot of free problems and information. The book gives a lot more insight into the classroom management side for teachers.
4. Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics, Grades K–12
Peter Liljedahl explains 14 teaching practices to improve math instruction and get students thinking. This book is backed by research and truly gets students thinking. Several other books on this list go hand in hand with building thinking classrooms.
Since implementing several of these practices (like random groups) and using them at times that are appropriate in my classroom, I have see my students increase their thinking.
5. Making Number Talks Matter
If you haven’t experienced number talks in your classroom, I encourage you to give them a try. Number talks help to develop deep understanding of mathematics. I love using them once a week in my classroom.
Number talks are student-centered and focus on the way students think about numbers. The more you do number talks with your students, the more confident they become as a mathematical thinkers. You can watch the gears turning and light bulbs come on.
6. Mathematics Formative Assessment (Vol. 1 and 2)
I implement a lot of quick formative assessment in my classroom and if you need some good ideas to change up your practices, this is the book for you!
Have you read some of these professional development books for math teachers? What are your favorite practices?
Do you have other favorite books for the math classroom? I’d love to hear what they are in the comments!
