Teaching Secondary Mathematics: Techniques and Enrichment Units

by Alfred S. Posamentier, Jay Stepelman

The revision of this book introduces the 2000 NCTM Principles and Standards and explains their use for teaching secondary school mathematics instruction. Unlike other books, it utilizes 125 enrichment units to provide the staples in preparing to teach mathematics. The authors provide step-by-step techniques on preparing lessons and tests, motivating students, designing assignments, and organizing the classroom. This valuable book also provides practical teaching methods for immediate use along with answers to typical questions readers have about teaching math. Chapter topics include the mathematics teacher today, long-range and short range planning, teaching more effective lessons, the role of problem solving in the mathematics classroom, using technology to enhance mathematics instruction, authentic assessment and grading strategies, enriching mathematics instruction, and extracurricular activities in mathematics. For mathematics teachers in secondary schools.

495 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Alfred S. Posamentier (born October 18, 1942) is among the most prominent American educators in the country and is a lead commentator on American math and science education, regularly contributing to The New York Times and other news publications. He has created original math and science curricula, emphasized the need for increased math and science funding, promulgated criteria by which to select math and science educators, advocated the importance of involving parents in K-12 math and science education, and provided myriad curricular solutions for teaching critical thinking in math.

Dr. Posamentier was a member of the New York State Education Commissioner’s Blue Ribbon Panel on the Math-A Regents Exams. He served on the Commissioner’s Mathematics Standards Committee, which redefined the Standards for New York State. And he currently serves on the New York City schools’ Chancellor’s Math Advisory Panel.

Posamentier earned a Ph.D. in mathematics education from Fordham University (1973), a Master’s degree in mathematics education from the City College of the City University of New York (1966) and an A.B. degree in mathematics from Hunter College of the City University of New York.

Posamentier was born in Manhattan in New York City, the son of Austrian immigrants. He has one daughter (Lisa, born in 1970), and one son (David, born in 1978). He resides in River Vale, New Jersey and is the current Dean of the School of Education and professor of mathematics education at Mercy College, New York. He was formerly professor of mathematics education and dean of the School of Education at The City College of the City University of New York, where he spent the previous 40 years.