News
- The 2010 Elementary Mathematics Laboratory (EML): July 26 - August 6
From Monday, July 26, to Friday, August 6, the School of Education was the site of the Elementary Mathematics Laboratory (EML), now in its eighth year. At the core of the laboratory was a mathematics class for fifth graders, most who came from Ypsilanti Public Schools. Deborah Ball taught the class and facilitated daily pre- and post-class briefing sessions. Each day, Ball’s class was observed by a variety of professionals and education students who collectively studied the lessons. The group met with Ball every morning and afternoon before and after class to discuss observations and plans for subsequent class sessions. A number of other activities also took place around the mathematics class. Research partners used the laboratory as a data collection site. Teachers and teacher educators took part in daily professional development opportunities that were part of the laboratory.
Each year, the EML offers an unusual opportunity for researchers, teachers, and other observers to unpack and study the often “invisible” elements of teachers’ work and to collaborate in tackling the challenge of improving mathematics instruction.
The laboratory is affiliated with the Teacher Education Initiative, which aims to redesign how teachers are prepared for practice here at U-M, and to build knowledge and tools that will inform the field of teacher education more broadly.
go to the EML website »