Steps To Self-reliance

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Steps to self-reliance

Coaching process strengthens math students' confidence

By Sue Chapman and Mary Mitchell

Categories: Coaching, Data, Implementation

December 2019

Vol. 40, No. 6

All teachers of mathematics want to know that our teaching is causing students to develop deep and lasting understanding of math concepts, fluency with mathematical procedures, competence in solving problems, and a positive relationship with mathematics. Unfortunately, the relationship between teaching and learning is not always clear. The dynamics of a classroom are complex, making it difficult to know which teaching moves lead to specific student outcomes. When we try to link our teaching to students’ learning, we may feel we are looking into a black box, a space containing countless elements that may or may not positively affect student achievement (Black & Wiliam, 2010). Through deliberate reflection, however, we can examine the influence of specific teaching practices on student learning outcomes (Huinker & Bill,

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Authors

Sue Chapman and Mary Mitchell

Sue Chapman ([email protected]) is an adjunct instructor at the University of Houston-Clear Lake and a professional learning consultant at Math Solutions. Mary Mitchell ([email protected]) is a lead instructional designer at Math Solutions.

References

Black, P. & Wiliam, D. (2010, September). Inside the black box: Raising standards through classroom assessment. Phi Delta Kappan, 92(1), 81-90.

Hattie, J. (2012). Visible learning for teachers: Maximizing impact on learning. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.

Huinker, D. & Bill, V. (2017). Taking action: Implementing effective mathematics teaching practices. Reston, VA: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

Killion, J. (2008). Assessing impact: Evaluating staff development. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. (2014). Principles to actions: Ensuring mathematical success for all. Reston, VA: Author.

Sue Chapman

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Sue Chapman ([email protected]) provides professional learning and coaching support to teachers and leaders nationwide and teaches preservice teachers at the University of Houston Clear Lake. She is the co-author of Power Up Your Math Community: A 10-Month Practice-Based Professional Learning Guide (Corwin, 2025) and Eight Habits of Highly Effective Math Students (and the Teachers Who Teach Them) (Corwin, 2025). Sue is passionate about building capacity in educators, teams, schools, and districts.