Steven R. Benson is an Associate Professor of Mathematics at Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he teaches a variety of mathematics content courses for traditional undergraduate students and in-service mathematics teachers. Before joining the Lesley faculty, Dr. Benson was a Research Scientist at Education Development Center, Inc., where he was involved in a wide variety of projects, most of which involved the development of curricula for mathematics students and teachers. He has also facilitated preservice and in-service teacher professional development workshops across the U.S. and internationally (including serving as consultant to the Ministry of Education in Azerbaijan), directed a research project investigating the genesis and development of mathematical talent in Mathematical Olympians, and edited the problem calendar section of the Mathematics Teacher journal published by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Prior to joining the EDC staff in June 2000, he held mathematics faculty positions at St. Olaf College, Santa Clara University, University of New Hampshire, and University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, and is currently a co-director of the Master of Science for Teachers program at the University of New Hampshire. He received his PhD from the University of Illinois, working under the direction of Leon McCulloh in algebraic number theory.
Ways to Think About Mathematics will fill the gap between what the math teachers learned in college and what they are required to teach in today's classrooms. The book will be divided into five modules that focus on algebraic, geometric, and statistical ideas. The book uses immersion in content to help secondary mathematics teachers improve their knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts. Ways to Think About Mathematics gives teachers the opportunity to learn and understand the same math concepts and math problems that they will be teaching. This book can be used by individual teacher; whether preservice, novice teachers, or experienced teachers. This book can also be used in staff development workshops or faculty teams. It is also appropriate for teacher education courses in secondary mathematics.
