Fostering Geometric ThinkingFostering Geometric ThinkingFacilitators’ InstituteFacilitators’ Institute

minutes until we begin!minutes until we begin!

Fostering Geometric ThinkingFacilitators’ Institute

July 31 – August 4, 2006

EDC • Newton, MA

Introductions

That’s Me!

Goals for this institute • Provide introduction to Fostering Geometric

Thinking (FGT) materials

• Experience FGT and structured exploration model

• Learn about role as facilitator

• Share ideas on mathematical thinking and professional development

• Get to know each other

Group norms and groundrules

• Start and end on time. • Encourage and respect the sharing of

thinking. • Monitor your own participation.

• Comments, additions, revisions…

What is Fostering Geometric Thinking?• Professional development curriculum

• Help grades 5-10 mathematics teachers to identify, describe, and foster students’ geometric thinking

• Group-study guide led by a teacher or administrator as facilitator

• Twenty 2-hour sessions; 40 hours of professional development

FGT offers:

• Conceptual framework focused on understanding students’ thinking in geometry and measurement

• Hands-on investigation of rich mathematical problems

• Structured approaches to gathering and analyzing data about student thinking

• Structured approaches to discussion among teachers about mathematics, curriculum, student thinking, and instructional practice

FGT Goals• Strengthen teachers’ understanding of geometry

and geometric thinking

• Enhance teachers’ capacity to recognize and describe geometric thinking

• Increase teachers’ attention to students’ thinking

• Enhance teachers’ understanding of students’ geometric thinking

• Prepare teachers to advance students’ geometric thinking

Monday’s Agenda• Welcome and Introductions

• Do Math: Comparing Triangles

• Introduction to Geometric Habits of Mind

• Lunch

• Do Math: Finding Area in Different Ways

• Analyzing Written Student Work

• Introduction to Structured Exploration Process

• Wrap-up and Evaluation

FGT Partner Sign-Up Sheet

1. Exploring Math Partner

2. Sustaining Reasoned Exploration Partner

3. Student Work Analysis Partner

4. Geometric Thinking Partner

5. Habits of Mind Partner