Virtual Professional Development
Whether you are an individual teacher looking to raise the level of your own instruction or a school leader interested in innovative coaching and support for your faculty, The Number Lab Team has opportunities for you.
Counting as Multiplicative Thinking
September 7, 2023
6 PM (CT)
Young children begin their exploration of number with counting. They count lots of things – beads, bears, balls. But then we shift to using abstract numerals and children lose sight of what is being counted. The Number Lab's Generative Framework begins with an exploration of arithmetic by way of number. In our framework, numbers are understood differently. We actually think about number — we conceptualize it, rather than merely viewing number as pragmatic. We recognize number as a multiplicative expression and very deliberately grow arithmetic understandings from this conceptualization of number. Join us in this 1 hour workshop as we grow our understanding of number by thinking of it multiplicatively.
Uncovering the Connections between Linear Expressions, Equations, Functions, and Graphs
Tuesday, September 26
7 pm (CT)
Rather than treat expressions, equations, functions, and graphs as separate topics, we lead learners to begin to construct an understanding of functions by guiding them to reason numerically, graphically, and algebraically with linear expressions and equations. When learners understand linear expressions as algebraic expressions of linear functions, they have an opportunity to consider linear expressions and equations in the context of functions and their graphs. In this context, learners uncover conceptual connections between the solutions of equations and points of intersection. Join us for an initial Concept Study in this mathematical terrain and a follow up conversation about leading your learners in an ongoing study that leads to deep understanding of algebraic functions.
Simplifying Expressions with an Understanding of Multiplicative Properties
October 12, 2023
6 PM (CT)
Simplifying multiplication expressions is traditionally taught as a series of procedures that students follow. By shifting the focus in mathematics from procedural to conceptual understanding, learners are able to reason mathematically, allowing flexibility and creativity in the way they approach simplifying multiplication expressions. Join us as we critically explore connective ideas that are key in constructing eloquent, algorithms for simplifying multiplication expressions, inclusive of algebraic and all number forms.
Analyzing Algorithm: A Thought Exercise for Critically Reading Mathematics
Tuesday, October 24
7 pm (CT)
The Analyzing Algorithm Thought Exercise encourages the careful analysis of the disciplined thinking of a mathematician. Learners perform this analysis in conversation: sharing observations, conjectures, and justification of the reasoning present in the algorithm. Engaging learners in this way underscores the importance of proof in mathematics—truth or credibility is established by communicating sound reasoning. Join us for an experience of the Analyzing Algorithm Thought Exercise as well as a discussion of practices that lead to successful implementation.
The Math Block as a Framework for Learning
November 2, 2023
6 PM(CT)
We recognize the traditional math class pattern to be primarily a matter of filling time with peripheral activities and the coverage of disparate standards, a forward march of a strict linear trajectory. By contrast, we believe that learners should have experiences in their mathematics studies that approximate the ways in which professional mathematicians perform their work. Thus, our Math Block is purposefully designed to be more of an experience than a math class, an experience that is rich and multi-dimensional. In every way that learners are engaged during the block, multiple aims are achieved. Join us to learn more about the philosophical basis and practices of this learning framework, and be inspired to rethink math learning.
Date and Time TBD
Our Virtual Discussions give you a chance to talk to several members of The Number Lab team, and customize the hour discussion to fit your needs.
Schools, leaders, and districts typically bundle the Virtual Discussions and schedule them across the year, but we are also happy to do single sessions if that is simplest for you. This is meant to be more of a discussion, responsive to your needs and your particular situation, and not a content-heavy PD session.
Learning for the Long-View Video Subscription
Learning for the Long-View is a powerful platform that can equip you to teach, learn, and think in new ways.
The Number Lab also offers a subscription-based website for educators called Learning for the Long-View. In the subscription model, you will start by learning new ways of thinking about the teaching and learning of mathematics. Next, reconstruct your mathematical understanding by exploring our generative framework for arithmetic, a framework that helps you build a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts through ideas that connect arithmetic to algebra. Finally, explore videos to see how we construct understanding of concepts with young learners in The Number Lab Math Block.
As a member, you'll have access to a dynamic library of videos, guides, graphics, and scripts. And one more thing…you’ll get our Math Block plans every week through Follow a Band.