"What Was Really Accomplished Today?" Mathematics Content Specialists Observe a Class for Prospective K-8 Teachers

Andrew M. Tyminski, Purdue University
Sarah D. Ledford, Kennesaw State University
Dennis Hembree, Peachtree Ridge High School

Abstract

One of the important activities mathematics teacher educators engage in is the development of teachers at both the in-service and pre-service levels. Also of importance is the professional development of these professional developers. In the summer of 2004, a summer institute was held that allowed mathematics teacher educators watch the teaching of a mathematics content course for prospective K-8 teachers. This paper examines the manner in which a specific group of mathematics content specialists experienced this professional development.