Preservice Secondary Teachers' Conceptions From a Mathematical Modeling Activity and Connections to the Common Core State Standards

Abstract

Mathematical modeling is an essential integrated piece of the Common Core State Standards. However, researchers have shown that mathematical modeling activities can be difficult for teachers to implement. Teachers are more likely to implement mathematical modeling activities if they have their own successful experiences with such activities. This paper describes one well-structured framework for implementing mathematical modeling with the Common Core State mathematics standards that incorporates the Standards for Mathematical Practice. One class of preservice secondary teachers engaged in a mathematical modeling activity, reflected on their experience, and discussed how they could implement similar modeling activities. This study describes the preservice secondary teachers’ work on the modeling activity, their impressions of the activity, and how the mathematical modeling activity was effectively structured in connection to the Common Core State Standards.