The Moore Method

The Moore Method

The Moore method is a type of instruction used in advanced mathematics courses that moves away from a teacher-oriented experience to a learner-centered one. This book gives an overview of the Moore Method as practiced by the four authors. The authors outline six principles they all have as goals : elevating students from recipients to creators of knowledge; letting students discover the power of their minds; believing every student can and will do mathematics; allowing students to discover, present and debate mathematics; carefully matching problems and materials to the students; and having the material cover a significant body of knowledge. Topics include establishing a classroom culture, grading methods, materials development and more. Appendices include sample tests, notes and diaries of individual courses.

An Adaptation of the Moore Method to the Teaching of Undergraduate Real Analysis

The Effect of a Modified Moore Method on Conceptualization of Proof Among College Students

Research projects have long indicated incompetence in justification of mathematical arguments among students of high school as well as college level. This research sought to understand the mental proof schemes that students possess, and to determine if these schemes progress when the Moore method is used in teaching a mathematics course. This study is significant in two major ways: First, it confirmed the mental schemes of proofs proposed by Harel & Sowder. Second, the study examined the effect of the Moore method on students' learning and appreciation of proofs. Using a qualitative analysis design the study showed that the Moore method has positive affects on students' conceptualization of mathematical proof, their self-confidence in their abilities, their appreciation of the relevance of proofs, and their ability to think autonomously. The Moore method allowed students to experience mathematics first hand. They built a coherent body of knowledge in which they created their own proofs.