📖 Overview
Steven G. Krantz's How to Teach Mathematics provides guidance for mathematics instructors at the college and university level. The book covers fundamentals of pedagogy, classroom management, and effective communication of mathematical concepts.
The text addresses common challenges faced by math teachers, from engaging students to designing assessments and providing feedback. Krantz draws from decades of teaching experience to outline methods for explaining complex topics, handling different learning styles, and creating an environment conducive to mathematical learning.
The work includes practical examples, suggested exercises, and strategies for developing course materials. Specific chapters focus on technology integration, teaching different types of math courses, and adapting instruction for diverse student populations.
At its core, this book examines the intersection of mathematical rigor and effective teaching practices, emphasizing the importance of bridging the gap between abstract concepts and student comprehension. The text reinforces that successful mathematics instruction requires both deep subject knowledge and refined pedagogical skills.
👀 Reviews
Readers value the book's practical teaching strategies and frank discussion of classroom challenges. Many appreciate Krantz's detailed coverage of math-specific teaching methods and tips for engaging students.
Liked:
- Clear explanations of common teaching pitfalls
- Advice on designing tests and assignments
- Examples of effective lesson structures
- Discussion of technology use in math classes
Disliked:
- Some find the tone condescending toward students
- Several note outdated technology references
- Limited coverage of modern pedagogical methods
- Focus mainly on college-level teaching
Ratings:
Goodreads: 3.8/5 (42 ratings)
Amazon: 4.1/5 (28 ratings)
Reader quotes:
"Helpful guide for new math professors but needs updating" - Amazon reviewer
"Good practical advice but dismissive of student struggles" - Goodreads reviewer
"Valuable resource for classroom management and test creation" - MAA Review
📚 Similar books
Teaching Mathematics in Colleges and Universities by Kenneth M. Clark
This book provides strategies and frameworks for teaching undergraduate mathematics with focus on course design and implementation.
Mathematical Teaching from a Pedagogical Point of View by John Peter Turner The text connects mathematical concepts with teaching methodologies through examples from calculus, linear algebra, and analysis courses.
Tools and Processes in Mathematics Teacher Education by Dina Tirosh and Terry Wood The work presents research-based methods for developing mathematical thinking and communication skills in students.
Mathematics Teaching Practice: Guide for University Instructors by Alan H. Schoenfeld This resource outlines classroom techniques, assessment methods, and problem-solving approaches for teaching college-level mathematics.
Making Mathematics Come to Life by O. A. Ivanov The book demonstrates methods for presenting complex mathematical concepts through concrete examples and practical applications.
Mathematical Teaching from a Pedagogical Point of View by John Peter Turner The text connects mathematical concepts with teaching methodologies through examples from calculus, linear algebra, and analysis courses.
Tools and Processes in Mathematics Teacher Education by Dina Tirosh and Terry Wood The work presents research-based methods for developing mathematical thinking and communication skills in students.
Mathematics Teaching Practice: Guide for University Instructors by Alan H. Schoenfeld This resource outlines classroom techniques, assessment methods, and problem-solving approaches for teaching college-level mathematics.
Making Mathematics Come to Life by O. A. Ivanov The book demonstrates methods for presenting complex mathematical concepts through concrete examples and practical applications.
🤔 Interesting facts
🔢 Steven G. Krantz has written over 320 research papers and 130 books on mathematics and related topics, making him one of the most prolific authors in the field.
📚 "How to Teach Mathematics" was first published in 1991 and has gone through multiple editions, evolving alongside changes in educational technology and pedagogical approaches.
🎓 The book addresses both novice and experienced instructors, with particular emphasis on teaching undergraduate mathematics at the college level.
🌟 Krantz received the Chauvenet Prize and the Beckenbach Book Prize from the Mathematical Association of America for his exceptional contributions to mathematical exposition.
🔍 The text draws from the author's four decades of teaching experience at institutions including UCLA, Princeton University, and Washington University in St. Louis.