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Mathematics Teachers as Gatekeepers. Presented by Stacey Canino June 24, 2011. What is a gatekeeper?. Merriam-Webster defines a gatekeeper as One who tends or guards the gate A person who controls access. Access to what?.
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Mathematics Teachers as Gatekeepers Presented by Stacey Canino June 24, 2011
What is a gatekeeper? • Merriam-Webster defines a gatekeeper as • One who tends or guards the gate • A person who controls access
Access to what? • We as teachers control the access of our students to the learning of mathematics • Learning for the benefit that the skills of mathematical thinking can add to one’s life • Our educational system is structured so that college opportunity is dependent on success in mathematics
Do teachers really have this power? • There are many factors affecting student success that we can’t control, but they only become barriers when we use them as an excuse • We may not be able to control what we teach, but we can control how we teach it
How can we let students in? • By believing that all students are capable of mastering a challenging curriculum • Combat stereotypes and hidden biases • Create a classroom community where all students feel that their input is valued and necessary
How can we let students in? (cont.) • By providing all students with the opportunity to make connections and derive meaning for themselves • Use a problem solving approach and higher level questioning • By showing students that math is not just about rules that must be followed
Final Thoughts • I thought the students would love this! • I want to keep my job!
References • Davidenko, S.M. & Tinto, P.P. Equity for all learners of mathematics: is access enough? (2003). In Kluth, P., Straut, D.M. & Biklen, D.P. (Eds.), Access to Academics for All Students: Critical Approaches To Inclusive Curriculum, Instruction, and Policy (pp.85-113). Mahwah, New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.