This popular field guide provides a rich collection of diverse field experiences, lessons, and activities. Field experiences vary greatly from institution to institution. The field experiences offered in this book were designed to respond to both the variety of teacher preparation programs and the NCATE recommendation that students have the opportunity to engage in diverse activities. In addition, NCATE states that teacher candidates reflect a thorough knowledge of teaching based on professional standards. For mathematics teachers, those standards include the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Principles and Standards for School Mathematics (NCTM, 2000), the Professional Standards for Teaching Mathematics (NCTM, 1991), and Mathematics Teaching Today (NCTM, 2007.)

The goals of the Field Experience Guide are as follows

• To meet the needs of various teacher preparation programs and background and experience of teacher candidates
• To provide useful templates and graphic organisers that are user friendly for both teacher candidates and instructors
• To provide a collection of diverse tasks (e.g., interviews, observations, teaching experiences) within a focus area, such as assessment
• To facilitate the process of linking field experiences to NCATE standards
• To elaborate and provide activities that can further a candidates’ understanding and application of the content offered in Elementary and Middle School Mathematics (8th Edition)