Delta-K Volume 48 Issue 1

Journal of the Mathematics Council of the Alberta Teachers’ Association

Volume 48 Issue 1, December 2010

It’s hard to believe that another semester is complete. Many teachers province wide are engaged with the implementation of the new mathematics program of studies. The feature articles of this issue focus on making mathematics meaningful and teaching for deep understanding. Drawing on his vast experience in mathematics education, Werner Liedtke considers the impact of the curriculum changes. Jerome Proulx provides a perspective of how mathematics teaching and learning can be revitalized. Both articles prompt us to think about the effectiveness of our instruction.

As we move toward a complete program implementation, I am reminded of some of the essential components that have made teaching and learning mathematics in Alberta so effective. Problem solving continues to be a focus of our instruction, and the articles on teaching ideas are consistent with this emphasis. Craig Loewen, a regular contributor and former editor of delta-K, presents an example of how a probability problem can be explored using technology. Lesley Ross and Brenda Wells explore how a rich task can be assessed in their classrooms. Three Alberta mathematics contests are provided as a source of classroom problems for junior and senior high school students.

Concluding this issue is a problem page. W hen this problem was submitted, one of the reviewers, Darryl Smith, suggested that we have our own math contest. The MCATA executive thought this was a great idea. The contest will be held for two groups: students and teachers. I invite you to submit your solutions and/or those solutions of your students to me at gladyss@ualberta.ca by March 30. 2011. All entries will he evaluated by selected reviewers. Solutions that demonstrate creative problem-solving strategies and connect answers will be published in upcoming issues of delta-K. It is my hope that this will provide an interesting way of engaging in the process of problem solving.

As always, I want to encourage you to consider publishing your teaching and scholarly ideas in delta-K. The guidelines are listed on the inside of the front cover. I would be more than willing to assist you with this process.

Happy reading!

Gladys Sterenberg

Front Matter

From the Editor’s Desk

Gladys Sterenberg

Piano Keys

Kevin Wang

4 – 10

The New Curriculum: Will It Make Mathematics Meaningful for Students?

Werner Liedtke

11 – 20

Research in and Development of School Mathematics: Delving Deeper into Concepts to Revitalize the Mathematics Taught and Learned in Schools