Delta-K Volume 43 Issue 2

Journal of the Mathematics Council of the Alberta Teachers’ Association

Volume 43 Issue 2, June 2006

With this issue of delta-K I give many thanks to the reviewers and the authors for their willingness to critically respond to new ideas and be challenged to elaborate on their thoughts. The process of review has been both engaging and inspiring as we work together to continue conversations about teaching and learning mathematics.

Launching the conversation in this issue is a reader’s response to some past articles on the roles of understanding and memorization. Issues of good pedagogy remain a focus of curriculum development and continue to challenge teachers. Two of the feature articles remind us why we continue to strive for excellence in a context of curriculum change. The other, also related to context, presents a historical look at an ancient method for calculating arithmetic problems.

A special feature of this issue is the inclusion of student voices. The two articles in the Student Comer highlight the impressive results of mathematics teachers’ efforts in our province and showcase mathematical thinking.

Our reviewers found the submissions for Teaching Ideas compelling, and I hope that you will also find them interesting and practical for your classroom. Although the ideas in this issue focus on secondary education, I encourage teachers of elementary mathematics to submit their ideas, too. It is through sharing these ideas that we build our community and enhance our teaching.

delta-K is a publication by teachers for teachers; it is possible only through teachers’ participation as authors. I encourage you to contact me if you are thinking about writing for delta-Kand need some guidance. I am more than willing to make suggestions and help write articles. As the school year comes to a close, please take time to read and reflect on the articles in this issue. Write down your responses as a reader, or jot down some of your own teaching ideas. Write an article, or gather student work that can be shared. In your preparations to finish the school year, remember to share your most vivid memories with the rest of the mathematics education community.

Have a wonderful summer!

Gladys Sterenberg

1 – 2

Front Matter

EDITORIAL

Gladys Sterenberg

From the President’s Pen

Janis Kristjansson

5 – 7

Conference 2005: “Mathematics for Teaching”

Janis Kristjansson

8 – 9