Mathematicians, scientists, and teacher educators at Vanderbilt University will cooperate with 15 selected exemplary classroom teachers to develop and evaluate a model approach to the preparation of elementary teachers of mathematics. A primary goal is to demonstrate how mathematics content and pedagogy are blended in the design of effective mathematics instruction. Elementary teachers will help mathematicians and mathematics educators plan instructional units and classroom activities which the teachers will then model for videotaping in their own classrooms. From these demonstrations videodisc materials will be produced. Materials will be implemented and evaluated in the methods of teaching course, and the preservice teachers will be placed in the classrooms of the exemplary cooperating teachers for actual implementation of teaching ideas. The materials and cooperative model are designed to ensure that participants are aware of research based principles of effective mathematics teaching and that they have a supportive environment in which to practice these strategies. Project evaluation will include systematic formative and summative assessments of project strategies, accomplishments, and consequences. It is expected that university course materials, including print and videodisc/computer components, will result. Further, plans have been made for disseminating the model and materials throughout Tennessee as well as nationally.
