📖 Overview
Alfred S. Posamentier is an American mathematician and educator who has authored numerous mathematics books focused on teaching methods and mathematical concepts. His work spans elementary through college-level mathematics education, with particular emphasis on geometry and number theory.
As Dean of the School of Education at Mercy College and previously at City College of New York (CUNY), Posamentier has influenced mathematics education policy and teacher preparation programs. His publications include over 60 mathematics books, many co-authored with other mathematics educators, covering topics from basic arithmetic to advanced geometry.
The majority of Posamentier's books aim to make mathematics more accessible and engaging for students and teachers alike. His works frequently incorporate historical context, mathematical puzzles, and real-world applications to demonstrate the practical relevance of mathematical concepts.
Beyond his academic roles, Posamentier has served on various educational advisory boards and received several awards for his contributions to mathematics education. He regularly conducts workshops and presentations internationally, focusing on mathematics instruction and curriculum development.
👀 Reviews
Readers appreciate Posamentier's clear explanations of mathematical concepts and his ability to make math accessible and engaging. Multiple reviews note his skill at presenting math history and practical applications that connect to real-world scenarios.
Readers liked:
- Examples that build mathematical intuition
- Historical context and mathematician biographies
- Focus on visual and geometric approaches
- Inclusion of puzzles and brain teasers
Common criticisms:
- Some books contain editing errors and typos
- Occasional repetitive content across different books
- Advanced concepts sometimes oversimplified
Ratings:
Amazon: Most books average 4.2-4.5/5 stars
Goodreads: "Math Wonders" - 3.8/5 (42 ratings)
"The Joy of Geometry" - 4.1/5 (28 ratings)
One reader noted: "His explanations demystify complex topics without dumbing them down." Another commented: "The historical tidbits make the math come alive, though I found a few numerical errors that should have been caught in editing."
📚 Books by Alfred S. Posamentier
Mathematics: A Complete Introduction
A comprehensive guide covering arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus fundamentals.
The Joy of Geometry An exploration of geometric principles, theorems, and their applications in both two and three dimensions.
The Circle: A Mathematical Exploration beyond the Line A detailed examination of the circle's properties and its significance in mathematics and the natural world.
Mathematical Amazements and Surprises A collection of unexpected mathematical patterns, paradoxes, and counterintuitive results.
Math Wonders to Inspire Teachers and Students A compilation of mathematical concepts and problems designed for classroom use.
The Pythagorean Theorem: Crown Jewel of Mathematics An in-depth analysis of the Pythagorean theorem, including its history and various proofs.
Math Charmers: Tantalizing Tidbits for the Mind A selection of mathematical puzzles, patterns, and recreational mathematics topics.
What Successful Math Teachers Do, Grades 6-12 A resource of teaching strategies and methods for secondary mathematics education.
The Fabulous Fibonacci Numbers An examination of the Fibonacci sequence and its occurrence in nature, art, and architecture.
Teaching Secondary Mathematics: Techniques and Enrichment Units A guide for mathematics teachers covering instructional methods and enrichment activities.
The Joy of Geometry An exploration of geometric principles, theorems, and their applications in both two and three dimensions.
The Circle: A Mathematical Exploration beyond the Line A detailed examination of the circle's properties and its significance in mathematics and the natural world.
Mathematical Amazements and Surprises A collection of unexpected mathematical patterns, paradoxes, and counterintuitive results.
Math Wonders to Inspire Teachers and Students A compilation of mathematical concepts and problems designed for classroom use.
The Pythagorean Theorem: Crown Jewel of Mathematics An in-depth analysis of the Pythagorean theorem, including its history and various proofs.
Math Charmers: Tantalizing Tidbits for the Mind A selection of mathematical puzzles, patterns, and recreational mathematics topics.
What Successful Math Teachers Do, Grades 6-12 A resource of teaching strategies and methods for secondary mathematics education.
The Fabulous Fibonacci Numbers An examination of the Fibonacci sequence and its occurrence in nature, art, and architecture.
Teaching Secondary Mathematics: Techniques and Enrichment Units A guide for mathematics teachers covering instructional methods and enrichment activities.