Putting It Together: Middle School Math in Transition

by Gary Tsuruda

Meeting the challenge to transform one's math teaching is a daunting prospect. Most teachers are aware of the need for change and know which individual aspects of their programs they would like to reform-if only they could make the needed changes in some easy, safe way. However, by its very nature, the transformation of a learning program is neither simple nor without risk. In Putting It Together , Gary Tsuruda discusses how his personal belief system about learning underwent a significant transition and describes in detail how he put the results of this transition to use in a middle school mathematics classroom, where real mathematical thinking became the driving force. The author describes the "bits of evidence" which over the years made it apparent to him that traditional methods were not working. The book includes sections on the use of essays, journals, and other forms of writing in the math classroom, as well as assessment alternatives such as portfolios. In the "Problem Solving" chapter the author writes about his use of "Problems of the Week" and "Problems of the Day" in the classroom, which encourage students to solve nonroutine problems on a regular basis and have fun doing so. Putting It Together is for every middle school teacher looking for help and guidance in meeting the objectives of the NCTM Standards .

120 pages, Paperback

First published April 18, 1994

Reviews

[junia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book itself looks cheesy. YET, the contents are SO good. For me, I had the privilege of being an 8th grader in his class, so as I read the book, I was able to pinpoint direct moments of application in the classroom. Anyway, I reviewed his book on Amazon, and figured I could just copy/paste it onto here!

So, here's a direct copy from my review on Amazon:

"Living Proof of Gary Tsuruda's Guru Abilities"
on August 27, 2013

Or, maybe I'm just awesome and naturally gifted at math.

Basically, I remember as a 7th grader hearing about "Mr. Tsuruda", and I was stoked when I found out I was going to be in his 8th grade Algebra class. I was also super nervous, because math was never my strong suit.

Honestly, 8th grade was traumatizing, and I don't remember much about the math we did in his class. I remember POWs, I remember my video project and my book project. I remember how he wanted us to specifically take notes using the folio-thingies (which I still buy in bulk for my students today). I remember the jobs, the couch, the extra credit opportunities, the photos, and his mini-refrigerator. I don't remember the math.

Yet somehow, he set the foundation for me to get through AP Calc with flying colors my senior year. I never took another math class outside of high school, yet here I am, now, teaching 8th grade algebra. I read Tsuruda's book last year (when I taught 7th grade -- I loop with my students at an urban, blue-ribbon CA charter), and I was flooded with memories. And unlike other readers, I distinctly remember this WORKING not as an observer but as an actual product.

Anyway, the book itself was cool because not only did it provide a macro-perspective, but it also gave specific examples and guidelines. This year, I'm not so sure I can practically implement everything that I would want, but I think it will guide my mentality in teaching math. Until recently, our school focused mainly on test scores and output from the students. As Common Core rolls around, I'm sure Tsuruda's methodology will once more have a place in these urban, standards-based, outcome-oriented charters.