Learning Opportunities

Keith Van De Keere believes that when math teaching is focused on deep understanding of the big ideas, students have a better chance of experiencing enduring success, and teachers can better see the natural flow between teaching and assessment. To promote and support this kind of teaching, Keith takes these ideas into K-9 classrooms to work with teachers to modify and adapt what the teacher is already doing by making the focus more about getting students to investigate Math Big Ideas and to observe and analyze the math in action. The focus of lessons is on conversations within a community of learners with a goal of understanding and improving number sense rather than just having ways to get answers. To do this, teachers who work with Keith are taught how to design lessons that are infused with visual and verbal experiences. Keith also helps teachers become "kid watchers" and improve their ability to "listen in" on conversations and use them as formative assessment moments. Keith has worked with Dr. Cathy Fosnot, who is a North American leader in constructivist learning and changing the culture of math classrooms. He has also worked with K-9 teachers and school divisions in Ontario, Manitoba, San Francisco and Hartford but does the majority of his work supporting teachers in North Central Alberta.