Approximating the Practice of Mathematics Teaching: What Learning Can Web-based, Multimedia Storyboarding Software Enable?

Abstract

We build on Grossman's notion of approximations of practice as scaled-down representations of practice that enable preservice teachers (PSTs) to learn to teach by doing. We propose the use of media rich, collaborative web-authoring tools for PSTs to create, complete, or edit scenarios in which they practice particular activities of teaching such as explaining a mathematics concept or reviewing students' work. We explain in what way these environments can be used to fit the notion of approximations of practice. We illustrate that contention by describing our experience using the web-based software Depict (in the LessonSketch platform) in the teaching of secondary mathematics methods. This use of multimedia scenarios combines the advantages of visual and video-based approaches to the study of practice with those approaches that ask the PSTs to create scenarios (e.g., lesson plays). We argue the value of integrating this storyboarding web software in a larger environment where scenarios can be created collaboratively, annotated, and commented on in forums.