We share research on the design and use of instructional activities (IAs) in secondary mathematics methods courses. IAs provide opportunities for teacher candidates (TCs) to develop skill with instructional practices, such as those in Principles to Actions (Leinwand, Brahier, Huinker et al. 2014), that provide students opportunities to productively engage with mathematical ideas. Because the skilled use of instructional practices is dependent on interactions with students, IAs situate TC learning in authentic classroom settings. The session begins with theoretical perspectives of designing and using IAs in secondary mathematics methods courses and our research questions. We also share the structure of an IA, Going Over a Problem, which secondary TCs enact in authentic classrooms settings. Our presentation ends with comments from a discussant. The second half of the session is a discussion among the audience and presenters around the design and use of IAs in secondary methods courses.

Session Type: Discussion Session