The aim of this four-year project is to create a learning community that will investigate how secondary mathematics teachers promote student discourse leading to deeper understanding of concepts. Designed by Dr. Mary Gfeller, Assistant Professor of Mathematics, in conjunction with Mrs. Vicki Darrow, Chair of the Cortland Jr.-Sr. High School Mathematics Department, this project investigates the integration of current research on mathematical communication into classroom teacher's current curriculum. Using standard-based curriculum materials, classroom teachers will implement new curriculum activities and technology and share their results with the college's pre-service teachers. Pre-service teachers will use participating teachers' experiences as a way for learning how to deepen students' understanding of key concepts through student discourse.
It is believed that students should learn mathematics by exploring math through social interactions. Researchers also believe that changing classroom practices to reflect meaningful mathematical learning through social interaction involves a teacher's commitment to understanding their students' thinking. Technology will play an important role as a tool for sharing ideas (TI-Nspire ® calculators, Interwrite ® tablet, and wireless TI-Nspire ® Standard Navigator System) .